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DI Nyree Bradshaw #1
The Water's Dead
The chin tattoo confirms the victim is Maori. The whorls of ink from her lower lip to her chin—the moko, is worn only by Maori women. So, her ethnicity is a given. Finding who murdered Huia Coburn, and dumped her body in the volcanic rock pool at the base of Mason’s Rock waterfall has now fallen to DI Nyree Bradshaw.
From the strangely unsympathetic parents, to the belligerent boyfriend on home detention for drugs, it seems everyone has something to hide and no one is telling the truth.
Then Nyree discovers six-year-old diabetic, Lily Holmes is missing, last seen in the victim's care. Now, Nyree must now find the killer to save Lily.
She has already failed her own son. She cannot fail this child.
From the strangely unsympathetic parents, to the belligerent boyfriend on home detention for drugs, it seems everyone has something to hide and no one is telling the truth.
Then Nyree discovers six-year-old diabetic, Lily Holmes is missing, last seen in the victim's care. Now, Nyree must now find the killer to save Lily.
She has already failed her own son. She cannot fail this child.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2022
60 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lea
13 books78 followersCatherine lives with a rescue dog who's the love of her life. In past lives, she has sold international satellite capacity, worked in IT recruitment, and run her own communications store.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, followed by the sequel in the Elizabeth McClaine series, CHILD OF THE STATE, and A STOLEN WOMAN.
Her latest book in the DI NYREE BRADSHAW SERIES, set in the beautiful Far North of New Zealand, is THE DEEPER THE DEAD: A DI Nyree Bradshaw Crime Thriller, out now.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, followed by the sequel in the Elizabeth McClaine series, CHILD OF THE STATE, and A STOLEN WOMAN.
Her latest book in the DI NYREE BRADSHAW SERIES, set in the beautiful Far North of New Zealand, is THE DEEPER THE DEAD: A DI Nyree Bradshaw Crime Thriller, out now.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 26, 2022
One of the reasons I enjoy reading so much is that it broadens my horizons, introducing me to or adding to my knowledge of worlds beyond my backyard. One of the reasons I read fiction so much is that I like a story with my learning. Fiction can show the effect on people who deal with real life issues, not in a didactic approach but a narrative that allows the reader to become engaged in history and current issues. Enfolding the reader into the story is something at which Catherine Lea excels in The Water’s Dead. Sense of place and authenticity of the characters wrapped in a gripping story ensure that reading this book is a genuinely immersed experience. With Catherine living in Northland, New Zealand, which is the setting of the story, I was excited to dip into a place I hadn’t read about and to learn more about the indigenous Maori featured in the book.
For twenty-five years, DI Nyree Bradshaw of the Far North Criminal Investigation Bureau has worked hard to prove herself in her department of almost all men. When she receives the call that the body of a young woman has turned up in a volcanic rock pool beneath Mason’s Rock Waterfall, she has no idea how huge this case will be and how she will have to prove herself all over again. When Nyree views the body in place, she has a glimmer that it won’t be an easy one. From the chin tattoo on the young woman, it’s obvious that she is a Maori, and there’s lots of distrust between the Maori and those outside their land in the Northland of New Zealand. Permissions aren’t legally required, but to stand a chance of getting any information, Nyree will have to gain permission to come onto Maori land. Fortunately, there’s a detective on her team who is Maori and is familiar with the proper protocols.
Police procedurals are exciting with their investigative procedures and the increasing pressure to solve the case, but this police procedural is particularly time sensitive and urgent. Not only is Nyree looking for the young woman’s, Huia Coburn’s, killer, the DI discovers that Huia was babysitting her cousin’s six-year-old daughter Lily Holmes the night of the murder. Now, Lily is nowhere to be found, and Lily is diabetic, so she needs her medicine to live. Nyree is determined to find Lily alive and get her back to her mother.
DI Bradshaw has her work cut out for her, and the barriers to finding Huai’s murderer and who has Lily keep piling up. She must navigate through the delicacies of interviewing the Maori people on the local marae, as they seem less than forthcoming with information. Huai’s parents, mother and step-father, are behaving in a bizarre fashion, and it becomes apparent why Huai moved out of their home. Huai’s Maori father, Rawiri Cooper, hides information, which is both puzzling and frustrating to Nyree. A Detective McFarlane brought in for another assignment keeps butting into Nyree’s investigation and spreads seeds of distrust in the department about Nyree’s leadership. But, Nyree knows that her work and results will prove her worth, so she tries her best to ignore any dissension. Of course, Nyree realizes that above everything, the most important job she has is to find Lily Holmes. Huia’s murder must be addressed in order to find out who took Lily, and Nyree is running on little sleep to find and follow the evidence. She, and the reader, will be shocked to uncover what the major stumbling block to her investigation has been, a twist that is brilliantly revealed by the author.
Nyree has her personal demons to deal with, too. An estranged relationship with her son and a recently released convict who has sworn revenge against her. One thing that drives Nyree in the hopeful recovery of little Lily is Nyree’s feeling that she failed her own child, her son. She doesn’t want to fail Lily. As the hours turn into days, the suspense of the search grows to a spine-chilling level. The desperation of Nyree to find Lily is felt in the pace of the novel, Nyree and her team interviewing people multiple times and pressing them more and more.
Catherine Lea has given readers a thrilling story, with fascinating characters to both love and hate. I’m so pleased that DI Nyree Bradshaw is to be a series. While it’s clear that Nyree is one tough, dedicated detective, I’m looking forward to finding out more about her and seeing her in action again. I’m wondering which police associates will play a recurring role, as there was a mixture of good and bad, keeping it interesting wondering who was reliable and who wasn’t. I expect that readers will continue to learn more about the sub-tropical beauty that is Northland, New Zealand and the pockets of poverty that are interspersed there. The layered plot in The Water’s Dead was so well paced, creating that building tension and suspense, action getting more intense chapter by chapter. Page-turning is the absolute best way to describe the effect on the reader. I am ready and waiting for the next case, Ms. Lea.
For twenty-five years, DI Nyree Bradshaw of the Far North Criminal Investigation Bureau has worked hard to prove herself in her department of almost all men. When she receives the call that the body of a young woman has turned up in a volcanic rock pool beneath Mason’s Rock Waterfall, she has no idea how huge this case will be and how she will have to prove herself all over again. When Nyree views the body in place, she has a glimmer that it won’t be an easy one. From the chin tattoo on the young woman, it’s obvious that she is a Maori, and there’s lots of distrust between the Maori and those outside their land in the Northland of New Zealand. Permissions aren’t legally required, but to stand a chance of getting any information, Nyree will have to gain permission to come onto Maori land. Fortunately, there’s a detective on her team who is Maori and is familiar with the proper protocols.
Police procedurals are exciting with their investigative procedures and the increasing pressure to solve the case, but this police procedural is particularly time sensitive and urgent. Not only is Nyree looking for the young woman’s, Huia Coburn’s, killer, the DI discovers that Huia was babysitting her cousin’s six-year-old daughter Lily Holmes the night of the murder. Now, Lily is nowhere to be found, and Lily is diabetic, so she needs her medicine to live. Nyree is determined to find Lily alive and get her back to her mother.
DI Bradshaw has her work cut out for her, and the barriers to finding Huai’s murderer and who has Lily keep piling up. She must navigate through the delicacies of interviewing the Maori people on the local marae, as they seem less than forthcoming with information. Huai’s parents, mother and step-father, are behaving in a bizarre fashion, and it becomes apparent why Huai moved out of their home. Huai’s Maori father, Rawiri Cooper, hides information, which is both puzzling and frustrating to Nyree. A Detective McFarlane brought in for another assignment keeps butting into Nyree’s investigation and spreads seeds of distrust in the department about Nyree’s leadership. But, Nyree knows that her work and results will prove her worth, so she tries her best to ignore any dissension. Of course, Nyree realizes that above everything, the most important job she has is to find Lily Holmes. Huia’s murder must be addressed in order to find out who took Lily, and Nyree is running on little sleep to find and follow the evidence. She, and the reader, will be shocked to uncover what the major stumbling block to her investigation has been, a twist that is brilliantly revealed by the author.
Nyree has her personal demons to deal with, too. An estranged relationship with her son and a recently released convict who has sworn revenge against her. One thing that drives Nyree in the hopeful recovery of little Lily is Nyree’s feeling that she failed her own child, her son. She doesn’t want to fail Lily. As the hours turn into days, the suspense of the search grows to a spine-chilling level. The desperation of Nyree to find Lily is felt in the pace of the novel, Nyree and her team interviewing people multiple times and pressing them more and more.
Catherine Lea has given readers a thrilling story, with fascinating characters to both love and hate. I’m so pleased that DI Nyree Bradshaw is to be a series. While it’s clear that Nyree is one tough, dedicated detective, I’m looking forward to finding out more about her and seeing her in action again. I’m wondering which police associates will play a recurring role, as there was a mixture of good and bad, keeping it interesting wondering who was reliable and who wasn’t. I expect that readers will continue to learn more about the sub-tropical beauty that is Northland, New Zealand and the pockets of poverty that are interspersed there. The layered plot in The Water’s Dead was so well paced, creating that building tension and suspense, action getting more intense chapter by chapter. Page-turning is the absolute best way to describe the effect on the reader. I am ready and waiting for the next case, Ms. Lea.
March 13, 2024
I found this book hard to get into at first, it is straight to the point detective point of view with a dialogue of questions to get to the truth. I am used to the more cosy mystery attitude with a soft touch, how ever the author has a good knack of keeping the reader curious (which I am) and the fascination and curiosity about half way won me over.
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I was bought up in the South Island so I was pleased and delighted to read more of a North Island book. I noticed Hamilton was mentioned but the story seem to be near Whangarei. An area I've never been to before.
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Interested in Maori culture? The author gives the reader knowledgeable tid bits here in there in a non technical way. You find out what a Tangi is, a hongi and a moko kauae is please other interesting facts weaved into a fictional story.
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Brilliantly written and you can tell it was well researched. Thanking in appreciation author Catherine Lea, for gifting me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
5 star review/rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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The Waters Dead - Catherine Lea
Crime Thriller - New Zealand author - NZ Fiction
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Recommending to those who want to know more about the Maori way of living, interest in New Zealand in general and for those who just want to be entertained by a slow burn crime thriller.
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I was bought up in the South Island so I was pleased and delighted to read more of a North Island book. I noticed Hamilton was mentioned but the story seem to be near Whangarei. An area I've never been to before.
.
Interested in Maori culture? The author gives the reader knowledgeable tid bits here in there in a non technical way. You find out what a Tangi is, a hongi and a moko kauae is please other interesting facts weaved into a fictional story.
.
Brilliantly written and you can tell it was well researched. Thanking in appreciation author Catherine Lea, for gifting me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
5 star review/rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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The Waters Dead - Catherine Lea
Crime Thriller - New Zealand author - NZ Fiction
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Recommending to those who want to know more about the Maori way of living, interest in New Zealand in general and for those who just want to be entertained by a slow burn crime thriller.
December 11, 2021
I couldn't put this heartbreaking and riveting novel down. Ms. Lea moves effortlessly between the different communities and loyalties in her New Zealand setting, and binds us emotionally to her protagonist, while keeping a taut mystery structure. Highly recommend.
December 28, 2024
This was so good, I didn’t want to put it down!
One young woman murdered and a young child missing, Detective Inspector Nyree Bradshaw races against time to solve the case and find the child.
This book constantly kept me guessing and was fast paced and full of suspense. Highly recommend!
I loved that it took place in small town New Zealand and had so much of the Māori culture and te reo woven in.
Can’t wait to read the next in the series. 🕵🏼♀️
One young woman murdered and a young child missing, Detective Inspector Nyree Bradshaw races against time to solve the case and find the child.
This book constantly kept me guessing and was fast paced and full of suspense. Highly recommend!
I loved that it took place in small town New Zealand and had so much of the Māori culture and te reo woven in.
Can’t wait to read the next in the series. 🕵🏼♀️
February 17, 2022
Fast-paced, full of twists and the unexpected, set in the upper north island of New Zealand, part idyllic, part poverty-stricken, DI Nyree Bradshaw is dealing with a murdered young girl and a missing diabetic child. Many of the people involved, witnesses and those more directly involved, are saying very little and Nyree and her team struggle to find answers, racing against time to save the child's life. Slowly Nyree comes to the realisation that someone is deliberately sabotaging her investigation.
Complex characters, Nyree included, her own child estranged from her, many suffering deprivations most of us will never encounter, let alone live. Lea's handling of relationships between people of very different backgrounds is done with objectivity, yet compassion. The physical and social environment and family dysfunction are an integral part of the story, influencing people's behaviour and the decisions they make.
Unexpected solution at the end - but a great one!
A fascinating view into the complex problems facing many people and the solutions they seek or are forced to accept, in order to get through each day.
Complex characters, Nyree included, her own child estranged from her, many suffering deprivations most of us will never encounter, let alone live. Lea's handling of relationships between people of very different backgrounds is done with objectivity, yet compassion. The physical and social environment and family dysfunction are an integral part of the story, influencing people's behaviour and the decisions they make.
Unexpected solution at the end - but a great one!
A fascinating view into the complex problems facing many people and the solutions they seek or are forced to accept, in order to get through each day.
November 20, 2022
3.5 🌟 What the heck... where did my review go that i wrote today?
July 11, 2022
I was looking for NZ crime fiction in a bookshop recently and was pleased to find this one by an author I hadn't heard of before.
It's definitely readable, and realistically portrays a slice of the grinding poverty of New Zealand's Far North - the atrocious housing, the drugs, the desperation. It was a bit jarring to read US English spelling throughout, and words such as bangs and braids (fringe and plaits to us in NZ) - I guess this was written primarily for the US market.
The main character, DI Nyree Bradshaw, has two related cases on her hands: homicide and a missing six-year-old who has type-1 diabetes, which ramps up the urgency to find her so she can get her insulin (this is repeated a few too many times). Nyree has troubles of her own, both in her family and at work, but is grimly determined to solve these cases. This is an intense read, with numerous characters (I had trouble remembering some of them) and a tangled web of a plot. Fewer characters, but more character depth and development would have made for a more engaging story. I wanted to like Nyree but felt she was held a bit at arm's length, and several of the other characters were two-dimensional.
It was well paced and kept me reading, although there was too much speculation on the part of the police, as they proffered various ideas for what could have happened. Some of that speculation could have been left to the reader.
The ending was tense and unexpected, but not in the way that I thought "Aha, so THAT'S why...". I wanted a few more clues thrown in about this beforehand.
This is maybe the most professional-looking self-published book I've seen, although there was no author bio anywhere, and I thought the title was odd - sounded like an environmental thriller with some kind of toxic pollution involved, and the cover image of leafless trees seemed to confirm this. It wasn't until two-thirds of the way through that I realised The Water's Dead could be read two ways: with a contraction apostrophe - the water is dead - which was how I'd read it; or with a possessive apostrophe - the dead (person or people) belonging to the water. It must have been meant to be the latter, but even then I felt it was an odd title that didn't evoke the story.
It's definitely readable, and realistically portrays a slice of the grinding poverty of New Zealand's Far North - the atrocious housing, the drugs, the desperation. It was a bit jarring to read US English spelling throughout, and words such as bangs and braids (fringe and plaits to us in NZ) - I guess this was written primarily for the US market.
The main character, DI Nyree Bradshaw, has two related cases on her hands: homicide and a missing six-year-old who has type-1 diabetes, which ramps up the urgency to find her so she can get her insulin (this is repeated a few too many times). Nyree has troubles of her own, both in her family and at work, but is grimly determined to solve these cases. This is an intense read, with numerous characters (I had trouble remembering some of them) and a tangled web of a plot. Fewer characters, but more character depth and development would have made for a more engaging story. I wanted to like Nyree but felt she was held a bit at arm's length, and several of the other characters were two-dimensional.
It was well paced and kept me reading, although there was too much speculation on the part of the police, as they proffered various ideas for what could have happened. Some of that speculation could have been left to the reader.
The ending was tense and unexpected, but not in the way that I thought "Aha, so THAT'S why...". I wanted a few more clues thrown in about this beforehand.
This is maybe the most professional-looking self-published book I've seen, although there was no author bio anywhere, and I thought the title was odd - sounded like an environmental thriller with some kind of toxic pollution involved, and the cover image of leafless trees seemed to confirm this. It wasn't until two-thirds of the way through that I realised The Water's Dead could be read two ways: with a contraction apostrophe - the water is dead - which was how I'd read it; or with a possessive apostrophe - the dead (person or people) belonging to the water. It must have been meant to be the latter, but even then I felt it was an odd title that didn't evoke the story.
February 14, 2022
I devoured The Water's Dead and thoroughly enjoyed it. The police/crime-solving genre isn't my usual reading at all. I've read one Jo Nesbo and reckoned that would last me a lifetime—jaded cop and all. I've watched a couple of rounds of Line of Duty and got hooked into the characters and hilarious plot twists. I do listen to loads of True Crime podcasts—they seem to satisfy my desire for a no-nonsense and unfrilly style along with learning something, engaging the brain, working things out. The Water's Dead delivers all this, along with the beloved tropes that any addict would crave: goodies and baddies (sometimes well disguised as their opposite!), dead ends and diversions, a lead character with flaws, important details/hints/clues dotted along the way so the reader can feel clever, can feel she's worked it all out before the cop—only to be thwarted by the kind of plot twists and labyrinthine doubling-back that only the best rollercoaster can provide. Some careful brushstrokes give hints of cultural context, modern life in this part of the world (deft descriptions of people, places, buildings, scenes that avoid judgment) and enough tension (the classic ticking clock) and mood (weather, lack of sleep) to keep us reading, keep us biting our nails. Is this the first Nyree book? Would I read another book about DI Nyree? I probably would! A satisfying read.
February 7, 2025
My first time reading a book written be Catherine Lea. I will be definitely reading more. Fast paced thriller with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2023
I love reading New Zealand fiction and was excited to find this book.
Beautifully paced, imaginative with an unexpected ending.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Beautifully paced, imaginative with an unexpected ending.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 21, 2022
Rated 8/10 A local NZ author who has self published so well done to her. I haven't read any others which were set in the USA so not sure how they compare. As a read I mostly enjoyed it. I found initially that I was thinking to hard about the location especially as you relate to them in the story when you know the area, so it was frustrating at times when things were out of context as were some of the expressions. Once I chose to ignore this I enjoyed it a whole lot more. Certainly a lot going on with an array of characters to keep track of, but the story moves along with the odd twist and turn to keep you guessing. All in all a good easy read, and to put it in context I stopped reading another novel (by "Sweden's number one best selling thriller writer") and read this one in entirety before returning to the other.
October 20, 2024
MrsMoa recommended this read when I was at a lost where to go next, with regards to trying a new author but not wanting to get a few chapters in not like the read.
An NZ author, crime based storyline based here in NZ and I couldn’t put this book down! Highly recommend and am now reading a second novel by Catherine Lea. Thanks for the suggestion Mrs Moa, you have me hooked!
An NZ author, crime based storyline based here in NZ and I couldn’t put this book down! Highly recommend and am now reading a second novel by Catherine Lea. Thanks for the suggestion Mrs Moa, you have me hooked!
October 19, 2024
4 1/2 ⭐️ rounded up
This book took me by surprise, an incredible page turner full of complex characters which kept me guessing until the end!
The juxtaposition between poverty and wealth set against the backdrop of Northland and the character develop make this a must read 💚
This book took me by surprise, an incredible page turner full of complex characters which kept me guessing until the end!
The juxtaposition between poverty and wealth set against the backdrop of Northland and the character develop make this a must read 💚
June 7, 2025
I enjoyed that this book was set in New Zealand, it made me feel more connected to it. I liked the storyline, it just felt a bit slow at different points and dragged a bit. But overall it was okay!
January 14, 2023
Such a good mystery! Set in NZ. This frustrated me cos I couldn't work it out and it just made me want to get to the end. Well crafted!
October 28, 2024
A really good read. Enjoyed the story and the unfolding of the clues and evidence. There was a lot of suspense with the missing child with Type 1 diabetes. Great sense of place with the Far North detail...the location was like another interesting character. Described all characters who weren't white by their ethnicity, sigh. As in white people are the default. But very good understanding of Te Ao Māori apart from the reference to the stereotype of the warrior roots. Overall a captivating story that I couldn't put it down.
August 16, 2022
this book made me crazy with the beautiful name Ngaire spelled nyree, it just looks awful, the use of wife beather for singlet, in new zealand? nobody calls singlets, wife beaters here, and if they do anywhere in the world there is something seriously wrong with that, wtf? who beats their wife with a singlet?
otherwise it's not completely horrible, I wouldn't buy it unless you really like this style of writing, get it from the library like I did, good twist, lots of action, dont really like police novels, but i was bored.
1 out of 5, because that name spelling is wrong on every level. also its moko kauae, just saying!
otherwise it's not completely horrible, I wouldn't buy it unless you really like this style of writing, get it from the library like I did, good twist, lots of action, dont really like police novels, but i was bored.
1 out of 5, because that name spelling is wrong on every level. also its moko kauae, just saying!
April 26, 2022
Catherine Lea's latest thriller, The Water's Dead delivers! The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns which makes this an unputdownable read!
The rich believable characters are intricately woven and well written through. Lea moves effortlessly between different communities and personalities, a skill that shines throughout.
She brings an evocative New Zealand setting to life, making it, its own character.
This fantastic police procedural had me hooked from the start! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
The rich believable characters are intricately woven and well written through. Lea moves effortlessly between different communities and personalities, a skill that shines throughout.
She brings an evocative New Zealand setting to life, making it, its own character.
This fantastic police procedural had me hooked from the start! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 10, 2022
Really great to read a fast paced novel set in the Far North.
February 7, 2025
The Water’s Dead is the first book in the DI Nyree Bradshaw series and it’s a tense and atmospheric police procedural that I found completely gripping.
When Huia, a young Māori woman, is found dead in a volcanic rock pool at the base of a waterfall, DI Nyree Bradshaw is assigned the investigation. Right from the get go, things don’t seem to add up. Huia’s parents’ reaction to her death is strange and her supposed boyfriend is entirely unhelpful They all seem like people with something to hide. The stakes are upped, when Nyree discovers that six year old diabetic, Lily Holmes, was in Huia’s care when she was murdered and now Lily is missing. It’s a race against the clock to find Lily and catch Huia’s killer. Nyree has already failed her own son, she cannot fail Lily too.
I absolutely loved Nyree! She was incredibly relatable and I felt very invested in her. As a woman who has had to fight to get to where she is and battle the “old boys club” of the police force, while also having her own family struggles, it was wonderful to see her determination and courage to solve this case. I also enjoyed learning a little about Māori culture through this story and was especially interested in community life and customs.
The investigation was very believable and had me hooked. There were no magic solutions that just appeared and at times the police seemed to be taking a step forward only to then go two steps backwards, which is probably much like real police work. I could feel Nyree’s frustration as she discovered things that had been missed or not considered, as well as the various political agendas of some of her colleagues.
Overall, I really enjoyed this tightly plotted police procedural and its wonderful lead character. The New Zealand setting and landscape also made for a great read as it played its own part in the crime. I cannot wait to read book 2.
When Huia, a young Māori woman, is found dead in a volcanic rock pool at the base of a waterfall, DI Nyree Bradshaw is assigned the investigation. Right from the get go, things don’t seem to add up. Huia’s parents’ reaction to her death is strange and her supposed boyfriend is entirely unhelpful They all seem like people with something to hide. The stakes are upped, when Nyree discovers that six year old diabetic, Lily Holmes, was in Huia’s care when she was murdered and now Lily is missing. It’s a race against the clock to find Lily and catch Huia’s killer. Nyree has already failed her own son, she cannot fail Lily too.
I absolutely loved Nyree! She was incredibly relatable and I felt very invested in her. As a woman who has had to fight to get to where she is and battle the “old boys club” of the police force, while also having her own family struggles, it was wonderful to see her determination and courage to solve this case. I also enjoyed learning a little about Māori culture through this story and was especially interested in community life and customs.
The investigation was very believable and had me hooked. There were no magic solutions that just appeared and at times the police seemed to be taking a step forward only to then go two steps backwards, which is probably much like real police work. I could feel Nyree’s frustration as she discovered things that had been missed or not considered, as well as the various political agendas of some of her colleagues.
Overall, I really enjoyed this tightly plotted police procedural and its wonderful lead character. The New Zealand setting and landscape also made for a great read as it played its own part in the crime. I cannot wait to read book 2.
January 4, 2025
I really enjoyed The Water's Dead! It gave me similar vibes to Kathy Reichs and J.D. Robb, two of my all-time favourite authors, which immediately hooked me.
Nyree Bradshaw, the lead investigator, is such a compelling character. I loved the storyline involving her son; it added an emotional depth to her personality that made her stand out. Backstories like hers, woven alongside the main plot, make me feel more connected to characters. Nyree’s trauma, and how she knew it could affect her judgement but kept persevering, made her a truly strong and relatable protagonist.
The plot itself was so gripping. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and I genuinely didn’t know who the killer was until the very end. When the final twist hit, I had to pause and take a moment because it was that shocking. The ending was not only surprising but also extremely satisfying. I’m really hoping to find more books about Nyree’s journey because I’d love to keep following her story.
Another standout was the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly around the missing child, Lily Holmes. I found myself genuinely worried for her throughout the book. The way the author portrayed these emotions was so powerful that it completely translated to me as a reader.
The New Zealand setting was another highlight. It felt authentic and added a unique backdrop to the story, especially being based so close to where I live.
The writing was fast-paced yet detailed, striking the perfect balance for a crime thriller. It felt much shorter to read than it actually was, which is a testament to how engaging the story is.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers and can handle the sensitive topics often present in the genre. Catherine Lea has written an incredible story that is both intriguing and emotionally impactful. If you love a gripping mystery with dynamic characters and shocking twists, this book is for you!
Nyree Bradshaw, the lead investigator, is such a compelling character. I loved the storyline involving her son; it added an emotional depth to her personality that made her stand out. Backstories like hers, woven alongside the main plot, make me feel more connected to characters. Nyree’s trauma, and how she knew it could affect her judgement but kept persevering, made her a truly strong and relatable protagonist.
The plot itself was so gripping. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and I genuinely didn’t know who the killer was until the very end. When the final twist hit, I had to pause and take a moment because it was that shocking. The ending was not only surprising but also extremely satisfying. I’m really hoping to find more books about Nyree’s journey because I’d love to keep following her story.
Another standout was the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly around the missing child, Lily Holmes. I found myself genuinely worried for her throughout the book. The way the author portrayed these emotions was so powerful that it completely translated to me as a reader.
The New Zealand setting was another highlight. It felt authentic and added a unique backdrop to the story, especially being based so close to where I live.
The writing was fast-paced yet detailed, striking the perfect balance for a crime thriller. It felt much shorter to read than it actually was, which is a testament to how engaging the story is.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers and can handle the sensitive topics often present in the genre. Catherine Lea has written an incredible story that is both intriguing and emotionally impactful. If you love a gripping mystery with dynamic characters and shocking twists, this book is for you!
February 23, 2025
The Water's Dead is the first book in the DI Nyree Bradshaw series and it's a fast paced, thrilling police procedural that will keep you guessing right until the end.
The story centres around a young Māori woman, Huia, who is found bludgeoned to death at the foot of a waterfall. Commencing the investigation Nyree soon realises that an insulin-dependent little girl, Lily, was in Huia’s care at the time and is now missing. Speed becomes vital in the investigation, because they are now up against the clock if they have any hope of finding Lily alive.
Nyree puts her top officers on the case, but they have to tread carefully as there are a lot of people who don’t want to cooperate. From the parents who barely show any emotion, to the unhelpful boyfriend on home detention for drugs. It seems like everyone has something to hide, and no one is telling the truth.
I really liked DI Nyree Bradshaw, who has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get this far in her career. She was gritty and determined, but very relatable with the mum guilt that repeatedly raised its head.
I also enjoyed the setting of this novel, featuring the upper north region of New Zealand. There were little insights to the Māori culture throughout this story, which I really appreciated.
Overall this was a great novel that had me on the edge of my seat. The investigation was very believable with the constant challenges, leads and road blocks. You could feel Nyree’s frustration seeping from the pages and I kept second guessing who the murderer was right until the end as a result.
Thank you to the author, Catherine Lea, for a gifted copy to read.
The story centres around a young Māori woman, Huia, who is found bludgeoned to death at the foot of a waterfall. Commencing the investigation Nyree soon realises that an insulin-dependent little girl, Lily, was in Huia’s care at the time and is now missing. Speed becomes vital in the investigation, because they are now up against the clock if they have any hope of finding Lily alive.
Nyree puts her top officers on the case, but they have to tread carefully as there are a lot of people who don’t want to cooperate. From the parents who barely show any emotion, to the unhelpful boyfriend on home detention for drugs. It seems like everyone has something to hide, and no one is telling the truth.
I really liked DI Nyree Bradshaw, who has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get this far in her career. She was gritty and determined, but very relatable with the mum guilt that repeatedly raised its head.
I also enjoyed the setting of this novel, featuring the upper north region of New Zealand. There were little insights to the Māori culture throughout this story, which I really appreciated.
Overall this was a great novel that had me on the edge of my seat. The investigation was very believable with the constant challenges, leads and road blocks. You could feel Nyree’s frustration seeping from the pages and I kept second guessing who the murderer was right until the end as a result.
Thank you to the author, Catherine Lea, for a gifted copy to read.
January 2, 2025
DI Nyree is investigating a murder that is quickly linked to the case of a missing child. It’s a race against time to solve the murder to track down six-year old Lily. Set in the wild edges of north New Zealand, there’s a small-town vibe where everyone seems to know more than they’re letting on. This story also highlighted the challenge of respecting Maori traditions whilst dealing with an active murder investigation.
This book kept me guessing and second-guessing. With some authors you can’t tell how dark they’re going to go and I really wasn’t sure how this would pan out. (I guess the fact that this is first of a series of DI Nyree books should have been a clue that she would live to see another day, but I was so engrossed in the story I completely forgot this!)
I felt the pace of the story neatly echoed the status of the investigation and it kept me turning the pages. I sailed through this in under 48 hours.
DI Nyree herself seems relatively well-balanced and likeable as a lead. However, there’s a glimpse into some serious baggage that I hope will be explored in her next stories.
This was an enjoyable read and I’ll be picking up her next book very soon.
This book kept me guessing and second-guessing. With some authors you can’t tell how dark they’re going to go and I really wasn’t sure how this would pan out. (I guess the fact that this is first of a series of DI Nyree books should have been a clue that she would live to see another day, but I was so engrossed in the story I completely forgot this!)
I felt the pace of the story neatly echoed the status of the investigation and it kept me turning the pages. I sailed through this in under 48 hours.
DI Nyree herself seems relatively well-balanced and likeable as a lead. However, there’s a glimpse into some serious baggage that I hope will be explored in her next stories.
This was an enjoyable read and I’ll be picking up her next book very soon.
August 21, 2023
A fabulous face paced crime thriller set in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
When a young woman is found murdered, Detectives Inspector Nyree Bradshaw is appointed to head the task force responsible for finding the killer. However, her job is further complicated when a young child who suffers from type 1 diabetes, was last seen with the victim and is now missing.
It’s a race against time, a battle of wills, culture clashes and bashing through carefully constructed brick walls.
Filled with suspense and mystery, Catherine Lea weaves a story where you think you’ve worked out who the perp is but then another curve appears and the next twist sends you spinning, imagining everyone is guilty.
I loved the Māori infusion, the banter between characters, the suspicion and red herrings. A thriller where I can’t work it out is always a plus for me.
I can’t wait to read the next DI Nyree Bradshaw mystery.
When a young woman is found murdered, Detectives Inspector Nyree Bradshaw is appointed to head the task force responsible for finding the killer. However, her job is further complicated when a young child who suffers from type 1 diabetes, was last seen with the victim and is now missing.
It’s a race against time, a battle of wills, culture clashes and bashing through carefully constructed brick walls.
Filled with suspense and mystery, Catherine Lea weaves a story where you think you’ve worked out who the perp is but then another curve appears and the next twist sends you spinning, imagining everyone is guilty.
I loved the Māori infusion, the banter between characters, the suspicion and red herrings. A thriller where I can’t work it out is always a plus for me.
I can’t wait to read the next DI Nyree Bradshaw mystery.
January 11, 2025
This is my first book by the author and it wont be my last. I havent been this addicted to a book where i couldnt put it down in a while. I stayed up all too late to finish this as I just couldnt put it down. The plot was clever and fast paced following our team of NZ detectives on a hunt for not only a killer of a maori girl but also a little girl lily who needs her insulin to survive. There is just the right amount of tension and plot twists along with character development.
I was extremely impressed by who the clues were uncovered at each stage and the cultural references to the Maori and giving us an introduction to the culture. There wasnt really any point were I thought this isnt realistic. If anything, I actually wanted a bit more at the end. For me, it just stopped a bit abruptly, with some unresolved things like how the DI managed to gather enough evidence to convict the murderer considering everything that was said in the last chapter!
Regardless, this was an absolute page turner and not one to be missed. I will be picking up the next book in this series for sure. 4.5 stars.
I was extremely impressed by who the clues were uncovered at each stage and the cultural references to the Maori and giving us an introduction to the culture. There wasnt really any point were I thought this isnt realistic. If anything, I actually wanted a bit more at the end. For me, it just stopped a bit abruptly, with some unresolved things like how the DI managed to gather enough evidence to convict the murderer considering everything that was said in the last chapter!
Regardless, this was an absolute page turner and not one to be missed. I will be picking up the next book in this series for sure. 4.5 stars.
October 23, 2025
Set in the gorgeous New Zealand, this book is a thrilling mystery involving: DI Nyree Bradshaw.
As this was my first book by this author, I went into it fairly blind, but after seeing it on another bookstagrammer's page, I knew I wanted to read it.
With the dead body of a young Maori woman found, Nyree is on full alert.
But things aren't adding up, and then they learn of Lily, the young child who disappeared at the same time as the victim. She's six and a diabetic.
Why did they disappear?
Why is one dead?
Where is Lily?
And who wanted them dead?
With twists and turns, an eerie feeling, and a great storyline, this book kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could.
The book also gave me an insight into some Maori rites/customs, which I did not realise beforehand.
Lucky for me, there are more in this series, and more by this author to read.
As this was my first book by this author, I went into it fairly blind, but after seeing it on another bookstagrammer's page, I knew I wanted to read it.
With the dead body of a young Maori woman found, Nyree is on full alert.
But things aren't adding up, and then they learn of Lily, the young child who disappeared at the same time as the victim. She's six and a diabetic.
Why did they disappear?
Why is one dead?
Where is Lily?
And who wanted them dead?
With twists and turns, an eerie feeling, and a great storyline, this book kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could.
The book also gave me an insight into some Maori rites/customs, which I did not realise beforehand.
Lucky for me, there are more in this series, and more by this author to read.
October 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Water's Dead." One of the biggest highlights for me was the New Zealand setting; as I was reading, I loved being able to picture the places described in the book, which added a fantastic layer of connection to the story. Catherine Lea writes in a way that is incredibly easy to follow. Even as the mystery deepened, I never felt lost, allowing me to just get swept up in the compelling narrative.
This is definitely a story that keeps you guessing. The plot is packed with twists and turns that genuinely had me on the edge of my seat, especially as the story neared its conclusion. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new revelation would come to light. It’s a well-paced and exciting thriller that I found hard to put down. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for an engaging mystery, especially if you enjoy a story set in Aotearoa!
This is definitely a story that keeps you guessing. The plot is packed with twists and turns that genuinely had me on the edge of my seat, especially as the story neared its conclusion. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new revelation would come to light. It’s a well-paced and exciting thriller that I found hard to put down. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for an engaging mystery, especially if you enjoy a story set in Aotearoa!
July 1, 2023
This dark & gritty read had me hooked from the start! The story moves at a fast pace as we follow DI Nyree Bradshaw investigate a murder as well as the disappearance of a child. I loved that there was plenty of red herrings, with the suspects not exactly going out of their way to remove the suspicion of the police.
Nyree herself is a complicated character, and the emotional connection she had with the case drew me into the story & had me riveted to each page. There’s lots of different threads in this investigation, and just when you don’t think it’s going to make sense, it all comes together in dramatic fashion.
This was a edge of my seat read and I hope that we get to see more of DI Nyree Bradshaw and Catherine Lea in the future.
Nyree herself is a complicated character, and the emotional connection she had with the case drew me into the story & had me riveted to each page. There’s lots of different threads in this investigation, and just when you don’t think it’s going to make sense, it all comes together in dramatic fashion.
This was a edge of my seat read and I hope that we get to see more of DI Nyree Bradshaw and Catherine Lea in the future.
June 2, 2024
When a young woman, pregnant, is found dead and the small child she's been babysitting goes missing, detective Nyree Bradshaw doesn't have much time. The child has diabetes and no one knows how much insulin she has access to. Was she kidnapped? Killed? Or will she die prior to being found, an outcome Nyree dreads.
Making matters worse is another police officer who wanted to be a detective inspector but was not chosen when Nyree made that position in the New Zealand office. Does Nyree dare to trust him? And what about other police officers who tend to believe what the disgruntled officer (whose hatred of Nyree is well known) has to say when they all meet to go over the clues they are trying to unravel?
A fitting suspense to the last page.
Making matters worse is another police officer who wanted to be a detective inspector but was not chosen when Nyree made that position in the New Zealand office. Does Nyree dare to trust him? And what about other police officers who tend to believe what the disgruntled officer (whose hatred of Nyree is well known) has to say when they all meet to go over the clues they are trying to unravel?
A fitting suspense to the last page.
January 5, 2025
This is the first book I've read written by a Kiwi author and set in New Zealand. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! The story was fast-paced with lots of twists and an unexpected ending (but a great one!). Having visited Northland a few times, I found this book very accurately portrays the poverty, the poor housing conditions, and the drug problems many people face living there. I also loved how the Maori culture, traditions, and language were intricately weaved throughout the novel. It was clear that DI Nyree Bradshaw had some personal demons she was battling with, and I hope this will be explored a bit more in her next story.
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