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DI Ben Kitto #6
The Brutal Tide
REVENGE
DI Ben Kitto made many enemies in his time working as an undercover officer for the Met police, none more ruthless and calculating than gang leader Craig Travis.
IS WORTH
Travis has longed to make Kitto pay for his role in getting him convicted – and that day has finally arrived. Now, a dark and twisted killer is heading for the Scilly Isles, one who has waited a long time for revenge.
WAITING FOR . . .
With Kitto busy investigating the discovery of a body on the islands and distracted by the imminent arrival of his first child, his defences are down. He has so much to lose.
And Travis will stop at nothing to take it all from him.
DI Ben Kitto made many enemies in his time working as an undercover officer for the Met police, none more ruthless and calculating than gang leader Craig Travis.
IS WORTH
Travis has longed to make Kitto pay for his role in getting him convicted – and that day has finally arrived. Now, a dark and twisted killer is heading for the Scilly Isles, one who has waited a long time for revenge.
WAITING FOR . . .
With Kitto busy investigating the discovery of a body on the islands and distracted by the imminent arrival of his first child, his defences are down. He has so much to lose.
And Travis will stop at nothing to take it all from him.
Audiobook
Published October 27, 2022
62 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
38 books351 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 23, 2022
The Brutal Tide is the latest book in the Ben Kitto series. Ben has to solve an old mystery when a body is found. He also has to deal with ramifications from the past when someone is trying to kill everyone involved in a case with him. In many ways, the story is intriguing yet sad, and the ending is a bit nerve-racking.
May 24, 2023
Auf der Scilly-Insel Bryher kocht die Volksseele, als ein Investor ein Outdoor-Zentrum bauen will – dem wohlhabendsten Bewohner Louis Hayle direkt vor den Meerblick aus seinem Wohnzimmer. Aufgebrachter als Louis sind jedoch die Bewohner, die verhindern wollen, dass durch die Bauarbeiten die Totenruhe gestört wird.
Als bei den Ausschachtungsarbeiten ein Skelett gefunden wird, das Jahre im Boden gelegen haben muss, aber noch keine Jahrhunderte, hat Ben Kitto aufsehenerregende Ermittlungen vor sich. Es handelt sich bei dem Toten um einen gesunden, noch jungen Mann. Bei nur knapp 100 Einwohnern der Insel liegt die Vermutung nahe, dass der Tote zumindest einen regionalen Bezug haben muss. Ein Blick ins Einwohnerregister versteht sich daher von selbst. Natürlich reist die Gerichtsmedizinerin Liz Gannick zur Untersuchung des Fundorts an; aber auch Knochenspezialistin Penny Cadgwith, die schon weltweit auf Kriegsschauplätzen tätig war und mit der Ben bestens vernetzt ist.
Der aktuelle Fall gerät überraschend in den Hintergrund, als auf Bens Team ehemaliger Undercover-Agenten offenbar ein Killer angesetzt wird. Während Bens Partnerin die Tage bis zur Entbindung des gemeinsamen Kindes zählt, muss die Insel vom Fährverkehr abgeschnitten werden, um sein Leben zu schützen. Bens Partnerin Nina wird vorsichtshalber aufs Festland gebracht.
In einem parallelen Handlungsstrang lassen sich die akribischen Vorbereitungen verfolgen, die währenddessen ein Gangsterboss vom Sterbebett aus unternimmt, um sich an allen zu rächen, von denen er sich verraten fühlt. Wie Kittos Verfolger unter dem um ihn herum gelegten Schutz-Kordon zu schlüpfen versuchen, liest sich atemberaubend spannend. Der Fall des unbekannten Toten fesselt nicht weniger.
Insel-Krimis werfen meist die Frage auf, wie viele Kapitalverbrechen pro Einwohnerzahl noch realistisch sind. Kittos neuer Fall, für den er sich Jahre in die Vergangenheit zurück versetzen muss, überrascht zwar nicht, passt jedoch glaubwürdig ins Insel-Milieu. Dass Kitto bis heute nicht damit versöhnt ist, sich als Jugendlicher gegen die Ausbildung auf der Insel als Bootsbauer bei Onkel Ray entschieden zu haben, lässt die Frage offen, ob es Fortsetzungen der Scilly-Serie geben wird …
Als bei den Ausschachtungsarbeiten ein Skelett gefunden wird, das Jahre im Boden gelegen haben muss, aber noch keine Jahrhunderte, hat Ben Kitto aufsehenerregende Ermittlungen vor sich. Es handelt sich bei dem Toten um einen gesunden, noch jungen Mann. Bei nur knapp 100 Einwohnern der Insel liegt die Vermutung nahe, dass der Tote zumindest einen regionalen Bezug haben muss. Ein Blick ins Einwohnerregister versteht sich daher von selbst. Natürlich reist die Gerichtsmedizinerin Liz Gannick zur Untersuchung des Fundorts an; aber auch Knochenspezialistin Penny Cadgwith, die schon weltweit auf Kriegsschauplätzen tätig war und mit der Ben bestens vernetzt ist.
Der aktuelle Fall gerät überraschend in den Hintergrund, als auf Bens Team ehemaliger Undercover-Agenten offenbar ein Killer angesetzt wird. Während Bens Partnerin die Tage bis zur Entbindung des gemeinsamen Kindes zählt, muss die Insel vom Fährverkehr abgeschnitten werden, um sein Leben zu schützen. Bens Partnerin Nina wird vorsichtshalber aufs Festland gebracht.
In einem parallelen Handlungsstrang lassen sich die akribischen Vorbereitungen verfolgen, die währenddessen ein Gangsterboss vom Sterbebett aus unternimmt, um sich an allen zu rächen, von denen er sich verraten fühlt. Wie Kittos Verfolger unter dem um ihn herum gelegten Schutz-Kordon zu schlüpfen versuchen, liest sich atemberaubend spannend. Der Fall des unbekannten Toten fesselt nicht weniger.
Insel-Krimis werfen meist die Frage auf, wie viele Kapitalverbrechen pro Einwohnerzahl noch realistisch sind. Kittos neuer Fall, für den er sich Jahre in die Vergangenheit zurück versetzen muss, überrascht zwar nicht, passt jedoch glaubwürdig ins Insel-Milieu. Dass Kitto bis heute nicht damit versöhnt ist, sich als Jugendlicher gegen die Ausbildung auf der Insel als Bootsbauer bei Onkel Ray entschieden zu haben, lässt die Frage offen, ob es Fortsetzungen der Scilly-Serie geben wird …
January 20, 2024
“The Brutal Tide” is the sixth book in Kate Rhodes’ DI Ben Kitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly. This was my favourite story so far but I’ve loved them all, having read them back to back since the introductory book and of course there’s no reason not to read them as standalones too.
The author’s traditional dual storyline blends together perfectly and it’s this style of writing that always sees her intermittent chapters follow the victim or killer and read their personal thoughts and emotions. I instantly fell in love with the dedicated police detective and his adorable adopted dog Shadow from the very first book. Developing a relationship with regular characters always gives a reader a sense of familiarity as if you actually do know them and together with the author’s stunning descriptions of the rugged but beautiful coastline of the Scilly Isles, you literally feel like you’re living and breathing on the islands too.
This particular storyline is the grittiest yet, focusing on the undercover work Ben did on the mainland and a revengeful killer showing no remorse for their actions. I was permanently tense with anticipation as Ben sought to solve Scilly’s own recent potential murder, whilst protecting himself and his heavily pregnant girlfriend from a deadly hitman.
I can’t wait to read Kate’s next and latest thriller in the series “Hangman Island” and can honestly recommend this author and her books to crime readers, who love atmospheric settings.
#TheBrutalTide - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author’s traditional dual storyline blends together perfectly and it’s this style of writing that always sees her intermittent chapters follow the victim or killer and read their personal thoughts and emotions. I instantly fell in love with the dedicated police detective and his adorable adopted dog Shadow from the very first book. Developing a relationship with regular characters always gives a reader a sense of familiarity as if you actually do know them and together with the author’s stunning descriptions of the rugged but beautiful coastline of the Scilly Isles, you literally feel like you’re living and breathing on the islands too.
This particular storyline is the grittiest yet, focusing on the undercover work Ben did on the mainland and a revengeful killer showing no remorse for their actions. I was permanently tense with anticipation as Ben sought to solve Scilly’s own recent potential murder, whilst protecting himself and his heavily pregnant girlfriend from a deadly hitman.
I can’t wait to read Kate’s next and latest thriller in the series “Hangman Island” and can honestly recommend this author and her books to crime readers, who love atmospheric settings.
#TheBrutalTide - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 17, 2023
The Brutal Tide by Kate Rhodes.
The Isles of Scilly Mysteries: 6.
REVENGE
DI Ben Kitto made many enemies in his time working as an undercover officer for the Met police, none more ruthless and calculating than gang leader Craig Travis.
IS WORTH
Travis has longed to make Kitto pay for his role in getting him convicted – and that day has finally arrived. Now, a dark and twisted killer is heading for the Scilly Isles, one who has waited a long time for revenge.
WAITING FOR . . .
With Kitto busy investigating the discovery of a body on the islands and distracted by the imminent arrival of his first child, his defences are down. He has so much to lose.
And Travis will stop at nothing to take it all from him.
Really good series. Gripping read. 4*.
The Isles of Scilly Mysteries: 6.
REVENGE
DI Ben Kitto made many enemies in his time working as an undercover officer for the Met police, none more ruthless and calculating than gang leader Craig Travis.
IS WORTH
Travis has longed to make Kitto pay for his role in getting him convicted – and that day has finally arrived. Now, a dark and twisted killer is heading for the Scilly Isles, one who has waited a long time for revenge.
WAITING FOR . . .
With Kitto busy investigating the discovery of a body on the islands and distracted by the imminent arrival of his first child, his defences are down. He has so much to lose.
And Travis will stop at nothing to take it all from him.
Really good series. Gripping read. 4*.
September 16, 2023
I started reading the Ben Kitto series since the first book, Hell Bay, came out and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them, loving the small island setting, the small community vibe, and the well-developed characters.
The Brutal Tide is the sixth book in this series whose protagonist is DI Ben Kitto. Born and raised in Bryher, one of the smallest Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, he returned to the island after a career in London. In this new novel, one of his old cases from London risks ruining the normal life he’s created for himself in Bryher.
Craig Travis was one of the most dangerous gangsters in London and it was thanks to Ben’s undercover work that he was captured and sent to jail. Now, he’s dying of cancer, but he’s determined to take his enemies down with him, sending a dangerous killer after the people who betrayed him and sent him to jail, including Ben Kitto.
In the meantime, on Bryher, bones are found buried in a building site and stolen before they can be properly examined. Searching for the identity of both the victim and the killer, Ben locks down the island, hoping to stop a killer from leaving and another from arriving. But can he stop a killer looking for revenge?
The Brutal Tide is another fantastic addiction to this series. I love the suspense and the twists. One would think that on an island with a couple of hundreds of people it would be easy to find the killer. But there are so many layers to the case and a series of possible suspects that it’s not at all easy to figure out the truth. I loved how the story is split between Ben’s investigation and the killer’s path of revenge for Craig Travis, making it difficult to put it down (I read it in one day!).
The character of Ben Kitto is wonderful. On the personal side, he is looking forward to fatherhood, although he and his girlfriend can’t seem to agree on baby names. On the professional side, he’s still haunted from his work in London, he often clashes with his arrogant superior, and he’s forced to suspect people he considers friends.
The Brutal Tide is a gripping and exciting read with a few twisty mysteries and rising suspense. I really enjoy this series and I am already looking forward to the next book!
The Brutal Tide is the sixth book in this series whose protagonist is DI Ben Kitto. Born and raised in Bryher, one of the smallest Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, he returned to the island after a career in London. In this new novel, one of his old cases from London risks ruining the normal life he’s created for himself in Bryher.
Craig Travis was one of the most dangerous gangsters in London and it was thanks to Ben’s undercover work that he was captured and sent to jail. Now, he’s dying of cancer, but he’s determined to take his enemies down with him, sending a dangerous killer after the people who betrayed him and sent him to jail, including Ben Kitto.
In the meantime, on Bryher, bones are found buried in a building site and stolen before they can be properly examined. Searching for the identity of both the victim and the killer, Ben locks down the island, hoping to stop a killer from leaving and another from arriving. But can he stop a killer looking for revenge?
The Brutal Tide is another fantastic addiction to this series. I love the suspense and the twists. One would think that on an island with a couple of hundreds of people it would be easy to find the killer. But there are so many layers to the case and a series of possible suspects that it’s not at all easy to figure out the truth. I loved how the story is split between Ben’s investigation and the killer’s path of revenge for Craig Travis, making it difficult to put it down (I read it in one day!).
The character of Ben Kitto is wonderful. On the personal side, he is looking forward to fatherhood, although he and his girlfriend can’t seem to agree on baby names. On the professional side, he’s still haunted from his work in London, he often clashes with his arrogant superior, and he’s forced to suspect people he considers friends.
The Brutal Tide is a gripping and exciting read with a few twisty mysteries and rising suspense. I really enjoy this series and I am already looking forward to the next book!
October 16, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for an advance copy of The Brutal Tide, the sixth novel to feature DI Ben Kitto set on the Scilly Isles.
During his time at the Met Ben worked undercover to bring down ruthless gang boss, Craig Travis. Travis has always dreamed of revenge and now he has the means to do it. A killer is gunning for Ben and Ben is distracted waiting for the imminent birth of his first child and investigating a murdered skeleton unearthed during building works.
I enjoyed The Brutal Tide, which is a fast paced, eventful read set in a location that brings its own issues. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the reader’s preference, there are not many surprises in the novel as the killer’s identity is not a secret and is revealed at the beginning of the novel. In fact the narrative alternates points of view between Ben and the killer. This gives the read an extremely choppy feel as each voice only gets a couple of pages before switching. Furthermore I have no interest in the killers’ thoughts so it was a matter of ploughing on until the trigger was pulled and the attack happened. It all seemed highly unlikely and unsuspenseful.
The cold case is much more interesting. It has more twists and a genuine mystery attached., like who the skeleton is and why they were killed. Obviously the truth lies buried in the past, but it was engrossing to see Ben investigate.
The Brutal Tide was a mixed bag for me, but I’m sure that readers who like a more psychological read will thoroughly enjoy it. 3.5*
During his time at the Met Ben worked undercover to bring down ruthless gang boss, Craig Travis. Travis has always dreamed of revenge and now he has the means to do it. A killer is gunning for Ben and Ben is distracted waiting for the imminent birth of his first child and investigating a murdered skeleton unearthed during building works.
I enjoyed The Brutal Tide, which is a fast paced, eventful read set in a location that brings its own issues. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the reader’s preference, there are not many surprises in the novel as the killer’s identity is not a secret and is revealed at the beginning of the novel. In fact the narrative alternates points of view between Ben and the killer. This gives the read an extremely choppy feel as each voice only gets a couple of pages before switching. Furthermore I have no interest in the killers’ thoughts so it was a matter of ploughing on until the trigger was pulled and the attack happened. It all seemed highly unlikely and unsuspenseful.
The cold case is much more interesting. It has more twists and a genuine mystery attached., like who the skeleton is and why they were killed. Obviously the truth lies buried in the past, but it was engrossing to see Ben investigate.
The Brutal Tide was a mixed bag for me, but I’m sure that readers who like a more psychological read will thoroughly enjoy it. 3.5*
May 15, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this exciting book
ben is about to become a father
but a killer is on its way to the Scilly isles to get revenge
and then skeletal remains are found that put the isles in lockdown as the body has been there for over 20 years and the killer must be someone on the isles
a tense drama with quite a few red herrings and what an ending....exciting or what
cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series
ben is about to become a father
but a killer is on its way to the Scilly isles to get revenge
and then skeletal remains are found that put the isles in lockdown as the body has been there for over 20 years and the killer must be someone on the isles
a tense drama with quite a few red herrings and what an ending....exciting or what
cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series
July 24, 2023
Die Scilly-Inseln, auf denen Kate Penroses sechster Ben-Kitto-Krimi „Düster ruht die See“ spielt, sind idyllisch und das Leben könnte für Ben (Abkürzung für Benesek) und seine Lebensgefährtin Nina so schön sein. Sie sind glücklich zusammen und demnächst soll ihr gemeinsames Kind zur Welt kommen. Doch dann taucht plötzlich auf einer höchst umstrittenen Baustelle ein Skelett auf und bringt dunkle Unwetterwolken mit sich. Kurze Zeit später wird auch noch einer der größten Gegner der Baumaßnahmen tot aufgefunden. Noch dazu hat ein im Sterben liegender Gangsterboss Ben und allen anderen an seiner Verhaftung Beteiligten Rache geschworen. Und plötzlich ist das Skelett auf einmal nicht mehr Bens einziges Problem.
Aber von vorn.
Oder auch nicht. Denn das Bisschen, was ich da beschrieben habe, ist praktisch eine Essenz des Buchs. Und so unscheinbar es möglicherweise aussehen mag – das Buch hat es in sich! Es wird in zwei parallel verlaufenden Handlungssträngen erzählt, die auf den ersten Blick simpel scheinen, es natürlich aber nicht sind. So erlebt man im einen Erzählstrang aus der Sicht von Ben das, was auf seiner Heimatinsel Bryher geschieht. Dort wollen Maeve und Danny Trenwith ein Zentrum für Outdoor-Aktivitäten errichten, was bei vielen Inselbewohnern für viel Unmut sorgt. Viele glauben, dass die renommierten Architekten sich die Baugenehmigung ergaunert haben und mit ihrem Bauvorhaben sowohl den Frieden auf der Insel als auch die Natur zerstören werden. Das auf den Baustelle gefundene Skelett stoppt die Arbeiten erst einmal, allerdings liegen die Knochen und der Schädel schon seit 20 bis 30 Jahren dort im Boden, was die Identifizierung schwer macht. Und dann sind die Knochen auch noch plötzlich verschwunden.
Parallel dazu erlebt man die Geschichte aus Sicht der Täterin Ruby. „Leg noch heute los, Ruby. Zeig’s den Mistkerlen, die mich eingebuchtet haben. Nichts anderes zählt. Wenn’s Probleme gibt, knöpf dir ihre Familien vor. Hinterlass eine Spur der Verwüstung, damit uns niemand vergisst.“ – mit diesen Worten hat ihr Vater sie auf ihrem Krankenbett aufgefordert, seine Rachepläne zu verwirklichen. Leichen pflastern Rubys Weg und ihr finales Opfer soll Ben sein. Der hatte seinerzeit ihren Vater als Undercover-Ermittler zur Strecke gebracht. Ben kämpft an allen möglichen Fronten: er sucht einen Mörder, muss das gefundene Skelett identifizieren, ist auf der Flucht vor einem unbekannten Serienkiller – und noch dazu steht seine aufs Festland in Sicherheit gebrachte Lebensgefährtin Nina kurz vor der Niederkunft.
Da hat sich Kate Penrose für ihren sechsten Teil der Ben-Kitto-Reihe eine ganze Menge vorgenommen. Und sie hat alle Elemente, wie gewohnt, gekonnt ausgearbeitet und zu einem stimmigen Schluss geführt. Sprachlich ist das Buch äußerst angenehm zu lesen und der Spannungsbogen ist, trotz aller Ruhe und Idylle durch die Landschaftsbeschreibungen, konstant hoch. Die Charaktere sind Freunden der Serie zum Teil schon bekannt, aber auch sie bekommen einen weiteren Feinschliff verpasst, durch den man neue Facetten an ihnen erkennt. Auch die „neuen“ Charaktere sind sehr bildhaft beschrieben, vor allem natürlich Ruby als designierte Gegenspielerin von Ben und seinen Kollegen. Fast könnte man ihre Intentionen ja verstehen – aber nur fast. Die psychologische Komponente an diesem Krimi ist hervorragend ausgearbeitet. Sowohl Rubys pflichtbewusstes und emotionsloses Verhalten wie auch Bens schmerzhafte Erinnerungen an den traumatischen Undercover-Einsatz geben dem Buch eine sehr spezielle Tiefe, die über den bloßen Krimi hinausgeht.
Das Wiedersehen mit Ben Kitto und den anderen liebgewonnenen Charakteren und die Ermittlungen machen den Krimi für mich wieder einmal zu einem ganz besonderen Vergnügen. Vor allem aber die Atmosphäre auf den Scilly-Inseln, die zwischen klaustrophobisch, einsam und idyllisch hin- und herschwankt hat es mir angetan. Von mir natürlich fünf Sterne.
Aber von vorn.
Oder auch nicht. Denn das Bisschen, was ich da beschrieben habe, ist praktisch eine Essenz des Buchs. Und so unscheinbar es möglicherweise aussehen mag – das Buch hat es in sich! Es wird in zwei parallel verlaufenden Handlungssträngen erzählt, die auf den ersten Blick simpel scheinen, es natürlich aber nicht sind. So erlebt man im einen Erzählstrang aus der Sicht von Ben das, was auf seiner Heimatinsel Bryher geschieht. Dort wollen Maeve und Danny Trenwith ein Zentrum für Outdoor-Aktivitäten errichten, was bei vielen Inselbewohnern für viel Unmut sorgt. Viele glauben, dass die renommierten Architekten sich die Baugenehmigung ergaunert haben und mit ihrem Bauvorhaben sowohl den Frieden auf der Insel als auch die Natur zerstören werden. Das auf den Baustelle gefundene Skelett stoppt die Arbeiten erst einmal, allerdings liegen die Knochen und der Schädel schon seit 20 bis 30 Jahren dort im Boden, was die Identifizierung schwer macht. Und dann sind die Knochen auch noch plötzlich verschwunden.
Parallel dazu erlebt man die Geschichte aus Sicht der Täterin Ruby. „Leg noch heute los, Ruby. Zeig’s den Mistkerlen, die mich eingebuchtet haben. Nichts anderes zählt. Wenn’s Probleme gibt, knöpf dir ihre Familien vor. Hinterlass eine Spur der Verwüstung, damit uns niemand vergisst.“ – mit diesen Worten hat ihr Vater sie auf ihrem Krankenbett aufgefordert, seine Rachepläne zu verwirklichen. Leichen pflastern Rubys Weg und ihr finales Opfer soll Ben sein. Der hatte seinerzeit ihren Vater als Undercover-Ermittler zur Strecke gebracht. Ben kämpft an allen möglichen Fronten: er sucht einen Mörder, muss das gefundene Skelett identifizieren, ist auf der Flucht vor einem unbekannten Serienkiller – und noch dazu steht seine aufs Festland in Sicherheit gebrachte Lebensgefährtin Nina kurz vor der Niederkunft.
Da hat sich Kate Penrose für ihren sechsten Teil der Ben-Kitto-Reihe eine ganze Menge vorgenommen. Und sie hat alle Elemente, wie gewohnt, gekonnt ausgearbeitet und zu einem stimmigen Schluss geführt. Sprachlich ist das Buch äußerst angenehm zu lesen und der Spannungsbogen ist, trotz aller Ruhe und Idylle durch die Landschaftsbeschreibungen, konstant hoch. Die Charaktere sind Freunden der Serie zum Teil schon bekannt, aber auch sie bekommen einen weiteren Feinschliff verpasst, durch den man neue Facetten an ihnen erkennt. Auch die „neuen“ Charaktere sind sehr bildhaft beschrieben, vor allem natürlich Ruby als designierte Gegenspielerin von Ben und seinen Kollegen. Fast könnte man ihre Intentionen ja verstehen – aber nur fast. Die psychologische Komponente an diesem Krimi ist hervorragend ausgearbeitet. Sowohl Rubys pflichtbewusstes und emotionsloses Verhalten wie auch Bens schmerzhafte Erinnerungen an den traumatischen Undercover-Einsatz geben dem Buch eine sehr spezielle Tiefe, die über den bloßen Krimi hinausgeht.
Das Wiedersehen mit Ben Kitto und den anderen liebgewonnenen Charakteren und die Ermittlungen machen den Krimi für mich wieder einmal zu einem ganz besonderen Vergnügen. Vor allem aber die Atmosphäre auf den Scilly-Inseln, die zwischen klaustrophobisch, einsam und idyllisch hin- und herschwankt hat es mir angetan. Von mir natürlich fünf Sterne.
February 13, 2024
‘The Brutal Tide’ is a gripping thriller, packed full of rich details, brilliant characters and bags of tension! This is the sixth book in the Ben Kitto series but this can be easily read as a standalone, however, I do recommend reading the whole series as they are fabulous reads! What I love about this series is its brilliant sense of location, the Isles of Scilly. It's clear that the author knows the islands like the back of her hand and loves them intensely. Plus, it's pretty obvious that she does bags of research as well which adds to the location, but also the overall authentic feel to these books.
What do you do when your past comes back to haunt you? Well, if you are Ben Kitto you put your hand in the sand and try to forget about it! Never a man for emotions so when he is informed that gang leader Craig Travis is making a play for all the people who put him in jail, he shrugs it off and believes it won't touch him. He is safe on the islands, isn't he?! But with Nina about to give birth to their first child they need to be prepared. I thoroughly enjoyed this section of the narrative as it set an omniscient feeling throughout the book. Although, we as readers kind of know what's going to happen, at least in theory, I love when an author does this as I feel it really ramps up the tension as you know there is going to be a huge showdown at some point! There were points during this book that I was internally shouting at Ben’s naivety and even agreed with his boss Maldon for once! Ben Kitto is a great protagonist and it was lovely to see him try and open up to Nina and also prepare for being a father! Big changes are coming for him and he has to accept the challenge. Of course, we lovers of this series know he will do it!
This outing was packed full of action as well as the ramifications of his past, Ben has to deal with the bones of a victim being found at a building site on Bryher, the small island he calls home. It made for a compelling read as you were jumping from story to story and it allowed the reader to feel the pressure Ben was under towards the later section of the book. I flew through the book in a day and I'm already looking forward to picking up the next in the series. I was a latercomer to this series but it's now an auto-buy series for me as I love it!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
What do you do when your past comes back to haunt you? Well, if you are Ben Kitto you put your hand in the sand and try to forget about it! Never a man for emotions so when he is informed that gang leader Craig Travis is making a play for all the people who put him in jail, he shrugs it off and believes it won't touch him. He is safe on the islands, isn't he?! But with Nina about to give birth to their first child they need to be prepared. I thoroughly enjoyed this section of the narrative as it set an omniscient feeling throughout the book. Although, we as readers kind of know what's going to happen, at least in theory, I love when an author does this as I feel it really ramps up the tension as you know there is going to be a huge showdown at some point! There were points during this book that I was internally shouting at Ben’s naivety and even agreed with his boss Maldon for once! Ben Kitto is a great protagonist and it was lovely to see him try and open up to Nina and also prepare for being a father! Big changes are coming for him and he has to accept the challenge. Of course, we lovers of this series know he will do it!
This outing was packed full of action as well as the ramifications of his past, Ben has to deal with the bones of a victim being found at a building site on Bryher, the small island he calls home. It made for a compelling read as you were jumping from story to story and it allowed the reader to feel the pressure Ben was under towards the later section of the book. I flew through the book in a day and I'm already looking forward to picking up the next in the series. I was a latercomer to this series but it's now an auto-buy series for me as I love it!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
May 25, 2024
With any long running series, it helps to keep reader engagement by making changes, and this sixth instalment differs in style from the previous five. Firstly, there are two active strands, one set in the Scilly Isles, the other on the mainland, before they coalesce, and both provide echoes of the past.
Then there is the introduction of the cold case, Ben is not a cold case specialist, but as the lead investigator on the group of remote islands the task falls into his lap. Naturally this is something he comes to relish and attacks it with his usual gusto. The mainland section centres on revenge, of a bloody visceral form and is certainly more graphic than the reader has become accustomed too. This brings a real coldness to the thread that is enhanced when the identity of the perpetrator is known, and the exploration of this complex character helps to add depth and texture. Truly a case of nurture over nature, with a touching glimpse of what might have been, will be registered by the even hardest of reader hearts.
The slow cold case balances perfectly against the action-packed finale, that includes a chase, a race against time and plenty of jeopardy. A true thriller that suddenly explodes with gripping effect.
For the regulars the story is an emotional rollercoaster. Nina is close to giving birth, with mixture of excitement and concern that it brings but something as (apparently) trivial as baby names is causing angst. Ben is bothered by Nina wanting to use her late husband’s name if it is a boy, a silly concern due to his surprising lack of confidence and understanding of the woman he wants to marry. When the naming does come it is inspired.
Zoe is back on the island, visiting with husband Dev, but all is not well, she is probably at her lowest ebb. Kind-hearted Dev cannot seem to reach her, to mend her hurt, and is despondent. She is even refusing to see her lifelong friend Ben, which shows how low she has got, but Nina and Ben are determined to help her in their own ways.
Even uncle Ray has being paying his cards so close to his chest that Ben is unaware of one aspect of his life. That Ray ends up being tied to the cold case provides some introspection for Ben and a rebuke from DCI Madron (a maligned character but one essential to make the mix work).
Then there is the introduction of the cold case, Ben is not a cold case specialist, but as the lead investigator on the group of remote islands the task falls into his lap. Naturally this is something he comes to relish and attacks it with his usual gusto. The mainland section centres on revenge, of a bloody visceral form and is certainly more graphic than the reader has become accustomed too. This brings a real coldness to the thread that is enhanced when the identity of the perpetrator is known, and the exploration of this complex character helps to add depth and texture. Truly a case of nurture over nature, with a touching glimpse of what might have been, will be registered by the even hardest of reader hearts.
The slow cold case balances perfectly against the action-packed finale, that includes a chase, a race against time and plenty of jeopardy. A true thriller that suddenly explodes with gripping effect.
For the regulars the story is an emotional rollercoaster. Nina is close to giving birth, with mixture of excitement and concern that it brings but something as (apparently) trivial as baby names is causing angst. Ben is bothered by Nina wanting to use her late husband’s name if it is a boy, a silly concern due to his surprising lack of confidence and understanding of the woman he wants to marry. When the naming does come it is inspired.
Zoe is back on the island, visiting with husband Dev, but all is not well, she is probably at her lowest ebb. Kind-hearted Dev cannot seem to reach her, to mend her hurt, and is despondent. She is even refusing to see her lifelong friend Ben, which shows how low she has got, but Nina and Ben are determined to help her in their own ways.
Even uncle Ray has being paying his cards so close to his chest that Ben is unaware of one aspect of his life. That Ray ends up being tied to the cold case provides some introspection for Ben and a rebuke from DCI Madron (a maligned character but one essential to make the mix work).
November 22, 2023
Book six in the series and I’m still gripped, I never thought that I would enjoy reading a series so closely together.
For this case we are back on Bryher. It does differ slightly, the murder Ben is investigating is a cold case but because of events that happen surrounding it the island still has to go into lockdown. This however causes more problems than usual for him and Nina, his partner. She is in the latter stages of pregnancy and he is facing a threat from his past career as an undercover officer. He feels intimidated by this but refuses to admit to others the risk that he faces until his boss Madron insists on it. It isn’t often that Madron shows his more compassionate side, and I appreciated seeing that side to him. All too often, he came across as domineering and uncaring.
All the books so far had featured brief chapters showed a character in the novel who was at risk, either victim or somebody close to them. In this novel it was the killer who was after Ben. They were shown to be ruthless but also hurting and when a stranger showed an interest and warmth I started to see doubt surface. Thoughts of a different way of life, what could happen if final wishes were ignored. But, blood is thicker than water and despite hesitancy and a desire for a normal life the killer was determined to make Ben suffer. Not a character I liked, for obvious reasons, but one I did have some sympathy for because of the way they had been manipulated.
Ben was determined to try and do his job as normal even thought the threat to his life was increasing. I admire the way in which he dealt with having to question people he had known most of his life, knowing and having to deal with damage to their relationship. It could have come across as cold and uncaring but didn’t, he just wanted justice and to understand.
This novel is slightly different to the earlier books with regard to Ben’s personal life. Much more open, nervous but relaxed in his relationship with Nina and I loved the way she encouraged him to share his feelings. She only has a small role in the series really but she is one who has an impact, not just on Ben but also his uncle Ray, and the brilliant dog Shadow.
I have no idea how long this series will run for and only have one more book to read. I hope it won’t be the last.
For this case we are back on Bryher. It does differ slightly, the murder Ben is investigating is a cold case but because of events that happen surrounding it the island still has to go into lockdown. This however causes more problems than usual for him and Nina, his partner. She is in the latter stages of pregnancy and he is facing a threat from his past career as an undercover officer. He feels intimidated by this but refuses to admit to others the risk that he faces until his boss Madron insists on it. It isn’t often that Madron shows his more compassionate side, and I appreciated seeing that side to him. All too often, he came across as domineering and uncaring.
All the books so far had featured brief chapters showed a character in the novel who was at risk, either victim or somebody close to them. In this novel it was the killer who was after Ben. They were shown to be ruthless but also hurting and when a stranger showed an interest and warmth I started to see doubt surface. Thoughts of a different way of life, what could happen if final wishes were ignored. But, blood is thicker than water and despite hesitancy and a desire for a normal life the killer was determined to make Ben suffer. Not a character I liked, for obvious reasons, but one I did have some sympathy for because of the way they had been manipulated.
Ben was determined to try and do his job as normal even thought the threat to his life was increasing. I admire the way in which he dealt with having to question people he had known most of his life, knowing and having to deal with damage to their relationship. It could have come across as cold and uncaring but didn’t, he just wanted justice and to understand.
This novel is slightly different to the earlier books with regard to Ben’s personal life. Much more open, nervous but relaxed in his relationship with Nina and I loved the way she encouraged him to share his feelings. She only has a small role in the series really but she is one who has an impact, not just on Ben but also his uncle Ray, and the brilliant dog Shadow.
I have no idea how long this series will run for and only have one more book to read. I hope it won’t be the last.
November 20, 2023
I like nothing better than getting to grips with another murder mystery on the beautiful Isles of Scilly. In this sixth book in the series we meet up with DI Ben Kitto as he is plunged, once again, into a deeply complex investigation and this time it’s about to get very personal. The Brutal Tide hits the ground running when we are introduced to a manipulative killer who has a very personal vendetta against Kitto and who will stop at nothing to wreak revenge for perceived sins of the past.
This story has an altogether different feel as not only is Ben Kitto struggling with a cold case mystery involving the discovery, on a building site, of a set of bones but is also having to deal with the possibility that someone from his past has tracked him down to the remote island of Bryher. Worried for the safety of his girlfriend, and his unborn baby, Ben has a conflict of interest as instinctively he want to protect those he loves but he also needs to keep one step ahead of a perpetrator who is hellbent on his destruction. What I love about this series is the way the characters come alive and with each successive story they become more and more familiar so that when they hurt, you hurt. I must admit to being on the edge of my seat during this story as the tension really mounts up and the chapters which involve the killer are particularly tense.
The Brutal Tide is a really suspenseful story which I read in almost one sitting as I couldn’t bear to leave the book without knowing what was going to happen. The ending is fast, furious and dramatic and, as always, left me wanting to read more from this talented writer.
This story has an altogether different feel as not only is Ben Kitto struggling with a cold case mystery involving the discovery, on a building site, of a set of bones but is also having to deal with the possibility that someone from his past has tracked him down to the remote island of Bryher. Worried for the safety of his girlfriend, and his unborn baby, Ben has a conflict of interest as instinctively he want to protect those he loves but he also needs to keep one step ahead of a perpetrator who is hellbent on his destruction. What I love about this series is the way the characters come alive and with each successive story they become more and more familiar so that when they hurt, you hurt. I must admit to being on the edge of my seat during this story as the tension really mounts up and the chapters which involve the killer are particularly tense.
The Brutal Tide is a really suspenseful story which I read in almost one sitting as I couldn’t bear to leave the book without knowing what was going to happen. The ending is fast, furious and dramatic and, as always, left me wanting to read more from this talented writer.
January 20, 2024
“The Brutal Tide” is the sixth book in Kate Rhodes’ DI Ben Kitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly. This was my favourite story so far but I’ve loved them all, having read them back to back since the introductory book and of course there’s no reason not to read them as standalones too.
The author’s traditional dual storyline blends together perfectly and it’s this style of writing that always sees her intermittent chapters follow the victim or killer and read their personal thoughts and emotions. I instantly fell in love with the dedicated police detective and his adorable adopted dog Shadow from the very first book. Developing a relationship with regular characters always gives a reader a sense of familiarity as if you actually do know them and together with the author’s stunning descriptions of the rugged but beautiful coastline of the Scilly Isles, you literally feel like you’re living and breathing on the islands too.
This particular storyline is the grittiest yet, focusing on the undercover work Ben did on the mainland and a revengeful killer showing no remorse for their actions. I was permanently tense with anticipation as Ben sought to solve Scilly’s own recent potential murder, whilst protecting himself and his heavily pregnant girlfriend from a deadly hitman.
I can’t wait to read Kate’s next and latest thriller in the series “Hangman Island” and can honestly recommend this author and her books to crime readers, who love atmospheric settings.
#TheBrutalTide - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author’s traditional dual storyline blends together perfectly and it’s this style of writing that always sees her intermittent chapters follow the victim or killer and read their personal thoughts and emotions. I instantly fell in love with the dedicated police detective and his adorable adopted dog Shadow from the very first book. Developing a relationship with regular characters always gives a reader a sense of familiarity as if you actually do know them and together with the author’s stunning descriptions of the rugged but beautiful coastline of the Scilly Isles, you literally feel like you’re living and breathing on the islands too.
This particular storyline is the grittiest yet, focusing on the undercover work Ben did on the mainland and a revengeful killer showing no remorse for their actions. I was permanently tense with anticipation as Ben sought to solve Scilly’s own recent potential murder, whilst protecting himself and his heavily pregnant girlfriend from a deadly hitman.
I can’t wait to read Kate’s next and latest thriller in the series “Hangman Island” and can honestly recommend this author and her books to crime readers, who love atmospheric settings.
#TheBrutalTide - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 19, 2023
Ben Kitto thought he had enough to deal with when a skeleton is found in the middle of a building site on one of the islands. There were questions as to the age and identity of the remains that had to be answered only made worse when they went missing. When a local resident who was opposed to the building work taking place is found dead, Ben has to decide if everything is related or just an unhappy coincidence. Added to this Ben’s past looks like it might be catching up with him when one of the people he put away during his undercover days seems hell bent on revenge even from his prison cell.
Despite his old and new boss being concerned for his welfare Ben believes with the islands in lockdown he is safe, and he is determined not to let anything get in his way of solving his current cases and he is not sure where to start. He has several potential suspects, but they all seem to have alibis. All he does know is that some of the islanders are keeping secrets and they are not going to share them any time soon.
This case is one that brings up a disturbing chain of events that not only help with the identification of the remains but also the who and the why behind the more recent murder. As much as you want the current killer to be brought to justice there is also an element of sympathy for them as you can see why they took the action that they did.
There is a lot of action off the island in this book as we follow the trail left behind by the person who is out to get revenge on Kitto. They are meticulous in their actions and seem to have thought everything out right to the last detail. As they get closer to their end game however, you get a glimpse of what could have been for them if life had been different as even they wonder if they could just walk away.
What is evident in this book is just how much Ben Kitto has changed, from a man who is determined not to let anyone into someone who is beginning to plan a family and future of his own and has the perfect friendship and working relationship with his colleagues that mean they are there for him even in the toughest times and he definitely needs them more than ever this time. The Brutal Tide is none stop and full on but I have come to expect nothing less from Kate Rhodes and I am loving it
Despite his old and new boss being concerned for his welfare Ben believes with the islands in lockdown he is safe, and he is determined not to let anything get in his way of solving his current cases and he is not sure where to start. He has several potential suspects, but they all seem to have alibis. All he does know is that some of the islanders are keeping secrets and they are not going to share them any time soon.
This case is one that brings up a disturbing chain of events that not only help with the identification of the remains but also the who and the why behind the more recent murder. As much as you want the current killer to be brought to justice there is also an element of sympathy for them as you can see why they took the action that they did.
There is a lot of action off the island in this book as we follow the trail left behind by the person who is out to get revenge on Kitto. They are meticulous in their actions and seem to have thought everything out right to the last detail. As they get closer to their end game however, you get a glimpse of what could have been for them if life had been different as even they wonder if they could just walk away.
What is evident in this book is just how much Ben Kitto has changed, from a man who is determined not to let anyone into someone who is beginning to plan a family and future of his own and has the perfect friendship and working relationship with his colleagues that mean they are there for him even in the toughest times and he definitely needs them more than ever this time. The Brutal Tide is none stop and full on but I have come to expect nothing less from Kate Rhodes and I am loving it
December 14, 2023
Hello and welcome back to the penultimate review for the special #TeamScilly project. I’ll be absolutely bereft when it’s over.
I was so apprehensive reading the prologue, a figure from Bens past is out for revenge and it doesn’t bode well for him at all plus he’ll never see it coming.
In this story we follow Ben as he’s dealing with big changes in his personal life plus the discovery of some human bones and the threat of someone from his past coming back to haunt him.
We also get to read about who is coming for Ben and follow the journey that will eventually lead them Ben and his island.
Wow and just Wow, this story was the best book yet I think, my heart was in my mouth most of the way through, it had so many twist and turns I think I’ve hit whiplash!.
Especially towards the end I thought it was all over for two characters, I couldn’t believe what was happening.
I’ll be reading and reviewing next book very soon.
I was so apprehensive reading the prologue, a figure from Bens past is out for revenge and it doesn’t bode well for him at all plus he’ll never see it coming.
In this story we follow Ben as he’s dealing with big changes in his personal life plus the discovery of some human bones and the threat of someone from his past coming back to haunt him.
We also get to read about who is coming for Ben and follow the journey that will eventually lead them Ben and his island.
Wow and just Wow, this story was the best book yet I think, my heart was in my mouth most of the way through, it had so many twist and turns I think I’ve hit whiplash!.
Especially towards the end I thought it was all over for two characters, I couldn’t believe what was happening.
I’ll be reading and reviewing next book very soon.
June 29, 2024
Sadly, this is not the best of the Ben Kitto set. While the main plot is reasonable, the bits with Ruby rapidly get rather tedious. This book also includes the most stupid thing I've ever read in a Kate Rhodes novel - Ruby kills someone by dropping a lit match into the car's petrol tank, and manages to walk away before it explodes. She'd be very lucky if it didn't explode before the match hit the petrol, and she'd have certainly died in the explosion, being stood next to the petrol tank. I'd expect better from this author than this lot of total nonsense. On pg 137, Ben says about Zoe that "her generosity often leaves her vulnerable sometimes". This makes no sense whatsoever - it's either often or sometimes, it can't be both! Oh, and I may be being picky here, but the title of 'The Brutal Tide' is completely irrelevant to anything that happens. Hopefully Rhodes will be back toher usual standard for 'Hangman's Rock'.
March 15, 2025
This is the sixth book in this police procedural series (seven books so far) set in the Scilly Isles and is the fifth book I have read. Most of the story is told in the first person by Detective Inspector Ben Kitto but several chapters are told in the third person (in a different typeface) featuring a young woman who is killing people whom she believes were responsible for putting her criminal father in prison. I find this series a bit frustrating because there are only a limited number of suspects and an even more limited number of police officers. This story is mainly set on Bryher and starts with the discovery of the bones of a man who had been killed twenty years ago. As ever in this series the islanders keep lots of secrets and the police lack the resources which they would have on the mainland. More excitement than in the earlier books as the young woman killer has Ben and his pregnant girlfriend in her sights.
January 25, 2024
Ben Kitto's past is catching up with him, and his new family will soon be in danger. But this isn't all he has to tackle, remains of a 20-year-old skeleton have been found and this will soon turn into a cold case. But is the killer still on the island? and what happened twenty years ago.
Rhodes has done it again, this novel will keep you on your toes with suspense, and we are excited to have our favourite detective open up.
The alternating chapters were different to what Rhodes usually gives us and this change-up just gives the narrative a bigger thrill.
I love that Rhodes gives us more of an in-depth glimpse of Kitto's past and shows us his personal life, with his girlfriend Nina being pregnant and about to give birth.
I found myself so absorbed in this storyline I was crying at the end.
This novel is part of a series but this can be read as a stand-alone.
Rhodes has done it again, this novel will keep you on your toes with suspense, and we are excited to have our favourite detective open up.
The alternating chapters were different to what Rhodes usually gives us and this change-up just gives the narrative a bigger thrill.
I love that Rhodes gives us more of an in-depth glimpse of Kitto's past and shows us his personal life, with his girlfriend Nina being pregnant and about to give birth.
I found myself so absorbed in this storyline I was crying at the end.
This novel is part of a series but this can be read as a stand-alone.
April 25, 2024
Having chosen this from the library I had a vague recollection of Detective Benesek Kitto, realised later that this was no 6 in the series and that I hadn’t been that impressed when I read no 2.
This I felt a bit far fetched in the relatively easy way that Ruby Travis, groomed as a psycho by her Father could murder her Father’s crime team who had grassed on
him. This ensured he spent years in prison then in a secure psychiatric hospital having been deemed a risk to all. His daughter Ruby was left making a discreet life for herself as she researched where her Father’s team had settled and made themselves hidden in their communities, hidden from any killers eyes…
No 6 based in the Scilly Isles… beautiful views and touristy atmosphere.. a distraction away from harsh realities…..
This I felt a bit far fetched in the relatively easy way that Ruby Travis, groomed as a psycho by her Father could murder her Father’s crime team who had grassed on
him. This ensured he spent years in prison then in a secure psychiatric hospital having been deemed a risk to all. His daughter Ruby was left making a discreet life for herself as she researched where her Father’s team had settled and made themselves hidden in their communities, hidden from any killers eyes…
No 6 based in the Scilly Isles… beautiful views and touristy atmosphere.. a distraction away from harsh realities…..
May 30, 2023
A Brilliant Series
DI Ben Kitto has been working undercover for years but now he is back on the Isles of Scilly, where he was born and bred. He is based on Bryher, but travels between the islands when necessary, now his past has caught up with him. One if his undercover jobs was to get close to villain Craig Travis who is now suffering from terminal cancer in gaol, but before he dies Craig wants retribution for Ben being one of the people responsible for turning him in. Craig and his daughter vow to hunt down all the people who gave evidence against him and now it is Bens turn to be the prey. Book 6 in the series and I hope there will be many more.
DI Ben Kitto has been working undercover for years but now he is back on the Isles of Scilly, where he was born and bred. He is based on Bryher, but travels between the islands when necessary, now his past has caught up with him. One if his undercover jobs was to get close to villain Craig Travis who is now suffering from terminal cancer in gaol, but before he dies Craig wants retribution for Ben being one of the people responsible for turning him in. Craig and his daughter vow to hunt down all the people who gave evidence against him and now it is Bens turn to be the prey. Book 6 in the series and I hope there will be many more.
September 4, 2025
This is a really good addition to this excellent series as Kitto's past as an undercover Met police officer comes back to haunt him. Kate Rhodes once again provides the perfect back drop which is rich in detail and oozes in atmosphere. The dual POV adds depth to the storyline and the pacing is spot on. Running alongside this is a cold case mystery that Kitto is trying to solve whilst worrying about Nina and his past. Full of suspense and as the tension ramps up it becomes proper edge of your seat stuff. A dramatic ending to the book ensures that the talented Ms Rhodes has a delivered another winner
November 6, 2023
In The Brutal Tide we get a bit more insight in to Ben’s life in London and what happened to make him have to leave and find solitude again on his home islands of Scilly. Whilst working as an undercover cop he made an enemy in a rather ruthless criminal thug and this criminal has held on to his grudges for a while destined to make Ben pay. Threats are looming for Ben, and yet he’s still got to juggle his day job of tacking another case. Another brilliant addition to this great series.
July 5, 2024
I loved the other books in this series, but this one wasn't as good. I am not a fan of revenge stories, and to be honest, the Ruby element was really boring. The main and cold case murder part was also uninteresting, which is unlike these books.
Also, can we have a book when nothing happens to Ben!
Also, can we have a book when nothing happens to Ben!
February 18, 2023
Didn't realise this was book 6 in the series but it was enjoyable all the same.
Never read a book set in the Scilly Isles before. Very atmospheric.
Fast moving story.
My only criticism is that there are a lot of characters.
Never read a book set in the Scilly Isles before. Very atmospheric.
Fast moving story.
My only criticism is that there are a lot of characters.
July 8, 2023
Fluch der Vergangenheit
Eigentlich will Detective Inspector Ben Kitto in die Zukunft blicken - er wird schließlich demnächst Vater. In nunmehr sechsten Band von Kate Penrose um die Fälle des Ermittlers auf den Scilly-Inseln vor Cornwell, "Düster ruht die See", geht es hingegen gleich zweimal um die Vergangenheit. Zum einen wird bei Bauarbeiten das Skelett eines unbekannten Toten auf der kleinen Heimatinsel Kittos gefunden. Zum anderen werden mehrere Menschen umgebracht, die an der Verhaftung eines brutaten Gangsterbosses beteiligt waren, der nun im Sterben liegt. Hat er einen Auftragmörder in Gang gesetzt? Und ist Kitto, der bei einem Undercoverjob einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Festnahme des Mannes leistete, auf der Insel in Gefahr?
Ohne zu spoilern, sei eines verraten: Leserinnen und Leser wissen von Anfang an, wer die Morde begeht und warum. Sie erfahren die Handlung daher aus zwei Perspektiven, während die Ermittler im Nebel stochern und bis fast zum Schluss nicht ahnen, mit wem sie es zu tun haben. Unspannend ist das dennoch nicht, im Gegenteil. Es ist ein bißchen wie in einem Film, in dem man dem in Bedrängnis geratenden Protagonisten zurufen will: "Jetzt dreh dich doch endlich mal um!"
Auch der Konflikt um ein Bauprojekt und den unbekannten Toten, der auf einer kleinen Insel mit hundert ständigen Einwohnern irgendwie durch die Wahrnehmung geraten ist, stellt die Ermittler vor Herausforderungen. Erst ein weiterer Todesfall wird die Lösung näherbringen. Der Plot ist überzeugend, der Schreibstil angenehm. Wer die vorangegangenen Bände nicht kennt, kommt trotzdem gut klar.
Zwischen den Ermittlungen gibt es Diskussionen um den Namen des Kindes, Auseinandersetzungen mit cholerischen oder besorgten Vorgesetzten und eine Reihe teils exzentrischer Personen in diesem spannenden, aber auch unterhaltsamen Inselroman, der Lust auf die wilde Schönheit der Inseln im Südwesten Englands macht.
Eigentlich will Detective Inspector Ben Kitto in die Zukunft blicken - er wird schließlich demnächst Vater. In nunmehr sechsten Band von Kate Penrose um die Fälle des Ermittlers auf den Scilly-Inseln vor Cornwell, "Düster ruht die See", geht es hingegen gleich zweimal um die Vergangenheit. Zum einen wird bei Bauarbeiten das Skelett eines unbekannten Toten auf der kleinen Heimatinsel Kittos gefunden. Zum anderen werden mehrere Menschen umgebracht, die an der Verhaftung eines brutaten Gangsterbosses beteiligt waren, der nun im Sterben liegt. Hat er einen Auftragmörder in Gang gesetzt? Und ist Kitto, der bei einem Undercoverjob einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Festnahme des Mannes leistete, auf der Insel in Gefahr?
Ohne zu spoilern, sei eines verraten: Leserinnen und Leser wissen von Anfang an, wer die Morde begeht und warum. Sie erfahren die Handlung daher aus zwei Perspektiven, während die Ermittler im Nebel stochern und bis fast zum Schluss nicht ahnen, mit wem sie es zu tun haben. Unspannend ist das dennoch nicht, im Gegenteil. Es ist ein bißchen wie in einem Film, in dem man dem in Bedrängnis geratenden Protagonisten zurufen will: "Jetzt dreh dich doch endlich mal um!"
Auch der Konflikt um ein Bauprojekt und den unbekannten Toten, der auf einer kleinen Insel mit hundert ständigen Einwohnern irgendwie durch die Wahrnehmung geraten ist, stellt die Ermittler vor Herausforderungen. Erst ein weiterer Todesfall wird die Lösung näherbringen. Der Plot ist überzeugend, der Schreibstil angenehm. Wer die vorangegangenen Bände nicht kennt, kommt trotzdem gut klar.
Zwischen den Ermittlungen gibt es Diskussionen um den Namen des Kindes, Auseinandersetzungen mit cholerischen oder besorgten Vorgesetzten und eine Reihe teils exzentrischer Personen in diesem spannenden, aber auch unterhaltsamen Inselroman, der Lust auf die wilde Schönheit der Inseln im Südwesten Englands macht.
August 15, 2023
I love this series and the narration takes it up a notch. The island setting is lovely and the characters are really endearing. This series feels like a "cozy procedural" and I enjoy each one like a great wine, they make me feel warm and happy.
February 10, 2024
3 stars. It's a mixture between nice and calming and a page-turner, but something's not really convincing for me. I can't put my finger on it, but i feel that the author wants it too much and that it's a bit too forced.
March 20, 2024
I think this was the best yet !a real page turner. You sort of know where it’s going but not how it’s going to get there. Still think there seems to be a dosproprtionate amount of crime on the Scillies though!😂
May 5, 2025
loved the different angle this book was written in! same style with the two different character dialogues and a quick paced ending but the angle change added a fresh feeling to the read and i really enjoyed it :)
August 21, 2025
The Brutal Tide is the sixth book in the Isle of Scilly series by Kate Rhodes and the stakes for DI Ben Kitto couldn’t be higher. When he first came to the island, he arrived under something of a cloud, after many years working with the metropolitan police in London. Although Ben grew up on the island, coming back here felt like a step down for him and I wondered why he was making this change. Now, his past is coming back to haunt him in a big way and he really needs to keep his wits about him.
There is a really dangerous person, Ruby, who is after Ben in this book, and she is intent on getting her revenge. We find out how Ben once went undercover for the police and investigated Ruby’s father, a brutal gang lord. Ben once acted as Ruby’s father’s right hand man. Now her father is on his death bed and she has sworn to take revenge for him and this includes killing Ben. Kate Rhodes really does get inside her head in a brilliant way and we get to see just what a calculating person she is, intent on carrying out her father’s wishes, determined to make him proud. It’s what drives her and It’s what makes her really terrifying. Each chapter told from her point of view keeps the tension ticking up a notch, especially as she drew closer and closer to Ben and achieving her goal.
Ben is also facing some big changes in his personal life. His girlfriend, Nina, is pregnant with their first child. It is clear to see how much Ben loves her and the excitement he feels for this next phase in their lives. This is what makes Ruby’s impending arrival on the island all the more dangerous and it’s what makes The Brutal Tide even more intense. Nina is in a very vulnerable position and I was really fearful of Ruby finding her, especially as I knew Ruby would stop at nothing to destroy Ben and his family.
There is also an intriguing mystery on the island for Ben to get to grips with, with the discovery of human remains at a building site. This discovery really does bring out a lot of emotions in people, particularly those working to get construction underway again and finished. This was a really gripping mystery which kept the pace flowing well.
The Brutal Tide is definitely one of my favourite books in this series. I really wanted to find out what was going to happen with Ruby and if she would succeed. I really, really enjoyed it.
There is a really dangerous person, Ruby, who is after Ben in this book, and she is intent on getting her revenge. We find out how Ben once went undercover for the police and investigated Ruby’s father, a brutal gang lord. Ben once acted as Ruby’s father’s right hand man. Now her father is on his death bed and she has sworn to take revenge for him and this includes killing Ben. Kate Rhodes really does get inside her head in a brilliant way and we get to see just what a calculating person she is, intent on carrying out her father’s wishes, determined to make him proud. It’s what drives her and It’s what makes her really terrifying. Each chapter told from her point of view keeps the tension ticking up a notch, especially as she drew closer and closer to Ben and achieving her goal.
Ben is also facing some big changes in his personal life. His girlfriend, Nina, is pregnant with their first child. It is clear to see how much Ben loves her and the excitement he feels for this next phase in their lives. This is what makes Ruby’s impending arrival on the island all the more dangerous and it’s what makes The Brutal Tide even more intense. Nina is in a very vulnerable position and I was really fearful of Ruby finding her, especially as I knew Ruby would stop at nothing to destroy Ben and his family.
There is also an intriguing mystery on the island for Ben to get to grips with, with the discovery of human remains at a building site. This discovery really does bring out a lot of emotions in people, particularly those working to get construction underway again and finished. This was a really gripping mystery which kept the pace flowing well.
The Brutal Tide is definitely one of my favourite books in this series. I really wanted to find out what was going to happen with Ruby and if she would succeed. I really, really enjoyed it.
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