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Detective Lew Kirby #2
The Drowning Place
Murder on an abandoned housing estate—and a web of dark secrets stretching back decades…
Amid the crumbling decay of the Grasmere Estate in London, flats are abandoned and boarded up; the church that was once at its heart lies disused and forgotten. But when urban explorer Connie Darke takes refuge in the church while looking for clues about her sister’s death, she makes a terrifying discovery: William Stark, the estate’s architect and long-time resident, is hanging from the vaulted ceiling.
For DI Lew Kirby, struggling with life-changing tragedies of his own, there’s no doubt that Stark was lured to his death—but who wanted him dead, and why? As Connie begins a covert investigation, desperate to find a connection to her sister, Kirby soon discovers that Grasmere’s remaining residents have something to hide.
Could there be a connection between Stark’s death and the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy who went missing from the estate decades ago? And with Kirby and Connie both digging into the long-buried history of the estate’s darkest corners, what other secrets will be unearthed from the ruins of Grasmere?
Amid the crumbling decay of the Grasmere Estate in London, flats are abandoned and boarded up; the church that was once at its heart lies disused and forgotten. But when urban explorer Connie Darke takes refuge in the church while looking for clues about her sister’s death, she makes a terrifying discovery: William Stark, the estate’s architect and long-time resident, is hanging from the vaulted ceiling.
For DI Lew Kirby, struggling with life-changing tragedies of his own, there’s no doubt that Stark was lured to his death—but who wanted him dead, and why? As Connie begins a covert investigation, desperate to find a connection to her sister, Kirby soon discovers that Grasmere’s remaining residents have something to hide.
Could there be a connection between Stark’s death and the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy who went missing from the estate decades ago? And with Kirby and Connie both digging into the long-buried history of the estate’s darkest corners, what other secrets will be unearthed from the ruins of Grasmere?
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
440 people are currently reading
2733 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Kane
2 books184 followersS W Kane has a degree in History of Design and worked at the Royal Institute of British Architects before taking on a series of totally unrelated jobs in radio and the music industry. She has an MA in Creative (Crime) Writing from City University. She began reading crime fiction at an early age and developed an obsession with crime set in cold places. A chance encounter with a derelict fort in rural Pembrokeshire led to a fascination with urban exploration, which in turn became the inspiration for her crime novels. She lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 27, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I found the narrator's voice terribly difficult to focus on, so I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt.
I found the narrator's voice terribly difficult to focus on, so I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt.
October 19, 2023
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
The Drowning Place is the second book in the Detective Lew Kirby series written by S.W. Kane. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book, The Bone Jar, towards the end of 2021 so when I saw the second book was on the brink of being published, I couldn’t help myself and requested an early read. And what a fantastic sequel it is! One of the things I most admired about The Bone Jar was the way the author created a real sense of place with the setting coming to life on the page and really moving the story along. Kane has done the same with Grasmere, an almost derelict housing estate in South London where a handful of occupants still remain amongst the crumbling brickwork and walkways. When the estate’s architect, William Stark, is discovered hanging in the estate’s abandoned church, Detective Lew Kirby and his team are called in to solve the murder.
But this book gives the reader so much more than your average police procedural does. The characters are wonderfully written. For example, DI Kirby has real depth to his character. Unlike many of his senior police officer counterparts in other books, he’s not driven by addiction, nor does his life revolve around his flaws. But Lew Kirby does have a secret, one that he only discovered himself at the end of the first book in the series. And it’s a whopper! I won’t go into detail here but I immediately took to Google to discover more. Will he? Won’t he? Would you? I’m really not sure what I would do in the same situation! Then we have Connie Darke, an urban explorer who turned up in the first book and assisted the investigation. Connie’s sister, Sarah, was also an urban explorer who tragically fell to her death from a water tower. Connie is obsessed with tracking down one of the people present at the time and asking difficult questions. This particular storyline started in the first book and continues into the second. You can’t help but like Connie. She’s tenacious and strong willed. Her relationship with Kirby develops in this latest instalment – more to landlord and tenant, rather than anything more….interesting but I can’t help but feel there’s something there which I hope the author builds upon!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Drowning Place is a highly intriguing mystery which kept me turning the pages, keen to discover what had happened to William Stark. The plot moves at a nice pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in the story. There are quite a few characters to remember (there are eight remaining Grasmere residents, DI Kirby plus his regular partner, Detective Pete Anderson, add to that three Detective Sergeants plus a DCI, and of course, Connie – not forgetting a few other smaller characters) but despite this, I was able to keep track of who everyone was most of the time. The only characters I became a little muddled with were two of the male residents – Falke and Hoffmann, which doesn’t really make a lot of sense when you read the book! The setting was beautifully drawn by the author who has a real talent for bringing their locations to life through their words. I think I mentioned in my review of The Bone Jar that the setting is such an integral part of the story that it feels like a character in its own right. Well, Kane has done it again. There’s a superb sense of place throughout the novel which transports the reader to the heart of this South London housing estate. All in all, I very much enjoyed The Drowning Place. I do believe you could read it as a standalone but why do that when you could pick up the first instalment of this terrific series and really get to know the characters from the beginning. A very well-written mystery where character, plot and setting all shine through. I for one cannot wait for book three in this marvellous series. Bring it on! Recommended.
The Drowning Place is the second book in the Detective Lew Kirby series written by S.W. Kane. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book, The Bone Jar, towards the end of 2021 so when I saw the second book was on the brink of being published, I couldn’t help myself and requested an early read. And what a fantastic sequel it is! One of the things I most admired about The Bone Jar was the way the author created a real sense of place with the setting coming to life on the page and really moving the story along. Kane has done the same with Grasmere, an almost derelict housing estate in South London where a handful of occupants still remain amongst the crumbling brickwork and walkways. When the estate’s architect, William Stark, is discovered hanging in the estate’s abandoned church, Detective Lew Kirby and his team are called in to solve the murder.
But this book gives the reader so much more than your average police procedural does. The characters are wonderfully written. For example, DI Kirby has real depth to his character. Unlike many of his senior police officer counterparts in other books, he’s not driven by addiction, nor does his life revolve around his flaws. But Lew Kirby does have a secret, one that he only discovered himself at the end of the first book in the series. And it’s a whopper! I won’t go into detail here but I immediately took to Google to discover more. Will he? Won’t he? Would you? I’m really not sure what I would do in the same situation! Then we have Connie Darke, an urban explorer who turned up in the first book and assisted the investigation. Connie’s sister, Sarah, was also an urban explorer who tragically fell to her death from a water tower. Connie is obsessed with tracking down one of the people present at the time and asking difficult questions. This particular storyline started in the first book and continues into the second. You can’t help but like Connie. She’s tenacious and strong willed. Her relationship with Kirby develops in this latest instalment – more to landlord and tenant, rather than anything more….interesting but I can’t help but feel there’s something there which I hope the author builds upon!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Drowning Place is a highly intriguing mystery which kept me turning the pages, keen to discover what had happened to William Stark. The plot moves at a nice pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in the story. There are quite a few characters to remember (there are eight remaining Grasmere residents, DI Kirby plus his regular partner, Detective Pete Anderson, add to that three Detective Sergeants plus a DCI, and of course, Connie – not forgetting a few other smaller characters) but despite this, I was able to keep track of who everyone was most of the time. The only characters I became a little muddled with were two of the male residents – Falke and Hoffmann, which doesn’t really make a lot of sense when you read the book! The setting was beautifully drawn by the author who has a real talent for bringing their locations to life through their words. I think I mentioned in my review of The Bone Jar that the setting is such an integral part of the story that it feels like a character in its own right. Well, Kane has done it again. There’s a superb sense of place throughout the novel which transports the reader to the heart of this South London housing estate. All in all, I very much enjoyed The Drowning Place. I do believe you could read it as a standalone but why do that when you could pick up the first instalment of this terrific series and really get to know the characters from the beginning. A very well-written mystery where character, plot and setting all shine through. I for one cannot wait for book three in this marvellous series. Bring it on! Recommended.
June 13, 2023
S.W. Kane's psychological suspense novel "The Drowning Place" transports readers to a disturbing and atmospheric story of secrets, deceit, and the eerie influence of the past. Kane provides a riveting and captivating book with its eerie backdrop, well-developed characters, and expert narrative.
The novel's protagonist is Alice, a lady who, after receiving a troubling message from her estranged sister, decides to visit her childhood home, a secluded island off the coast of Scotland. Alice uncovers a labyrinth of family secrets and unrecognised traumas as she investigates the riddles surrounding her sister's abduction, which threatens to engulf her. The tension increases via turns and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The colourful and evocative backdrop of a distant island, with its rocky shoreline, lonely settlement, and ominous environment, is well described, creating a sense of isolation and unease in the readers' minds. The characters in "The Drowning Place" are intricate and diverse, and each one is hiding something. The protagonist, Alice, is likeable and tenacious, whose quest for self-discovery grows more perilous. The side characters, which include Alice's family and the enigmatic villagers, provide depth and mystery and leave readers wondering about the characters' true intentions.
With thoughtfully built suspense and revelations that keep the plot moving forward, the pacing is well-balanced. By skillfully fusing past and present narratives, the author progressively reveals secrets and builds to an exciting conclusion. The novel digs into the complexities of familial connections, the results of previous deeds, and the fallibility of memory as it examines themes of guilt, trauma, and the destructive power of hidden secrets. The book provides a reflective investigation of the human psyche and the haunting ramifications of unresolved trauma through the psychological depth of the plot.
While "The Drowning Place" is a suspenseful thriller with a haunting atmosphere, some readers might feel that key plot twists or character motivations might have been deepened or explored deeper. Any slight flaws, however, are made up for by the evocative location, compelling characters, and psychological complexity. The eerie and thrilling psychological thriller "The Drowning Place" will hold readers' attention until the very last word. Fans of the genre will find this novel to be a riveting read because to S.W. Kane's expert narrative, evocative location, and well-drawn characters. "The Drowning Place" is a book that will keep you engrossed if you're looking for a spooky and atmospheric tale of dark secrets and psychological suspense.
The novel's protagonist is Alice, a lady who, after receiving a troubling message from her estranged sister, decides to visit her childhood home, a secluded island off the coast of Scotland. Alice uncovers a labyrinth of family secrets and unrecognised traumas as she investigates the riddles surrounding her sister's abduction, which threatens to engulf her. The tension increases via turns and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The colourful and evocative backdrop of a distant island, with its rocky shoreline, lonely settlement, and ominous environment, is well described, creating a sense of isolation and unease in the readers' minds. The characters in "The Drowning Place" are intricate and diverse, and each one is hiding something. The protagonist, Alice, is likeable and tenacious, whose quest for self-discovery grows more perilous. The side characters, which include Alice's family and the enigmatic villagers, provide depth and mystery and leave readers wondering about the characters' true intentions.
With thoughtfully built suspense and revelations that keep the plot moving forward, the pacing is well-balanced. By skillfully fusing past and present narratives, the author progressively reveals secrets and builds to an exciting conclusion. The novel digs into the complexities of familial connections, the results of previous deeds, and the fallibility of memory as it examines themes of guilt, trauma, and the destructive power of hidden secrets. The book provides a reflective investigation of the human psyche and the haunting ramifications of unresolved trauma through the psychological depth of the plot.
While "The Drowning Place" is a suspenseful thriller with a haunting atmosphere, some readers might feel that key plot twists or character motivations might have been deepened or explored deeper. Any slight flaws, however, are made up for by the evocative location, compelling characters, and psychological complexity. The eerie and thrilling psychological thriller "The Drowning Place" will hold readers' attention until the very last word. Fans of the genre will find this novel to be a riveting read because to S.W. Kane's expert narrative, evocative location, and well-drawn characters. "The Drowning Place" is a book that will keep you engrossed if you're looking for a spooky and atmospheric tale of dark secrets and psychological suspense.
June 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
This 2nd in the series is as good as the 1st, I loved it.
DI Lew Kirby has buried his mother, an emotional and upsetting event. Connie Darke is still trying to find out the details of her sister's death. When she shelters from the rain in a church on a crumbling disused estate, she stumbles into the hanging body of the estate's architect. Lew investigates, with Connie as a covert investigator.
The story is terrific, the estate creepy and menacing and the secondary characters very well drawn. The ending was so well done, can't wait for no. 3 in the series.
The fact that FFI is a real disease horrified me!
Highly recommended!
This 2nd in the series is as good as the 1st, I loved it.
DI Lew Kirby has buried his mother, an emotional and upsetting event. Connie Darke is still trying to find out the details of her sister's death. When she shelters from the rain in a church on a crumbling disused estate, she stumbles into the hanging body of the estate's architect. Lew investigates, with Connie as a covert investigator.
The story is terrific, the estate creepy and menacing and the secondary characters very well drawn. The ending was so well done, can't wait for no. 3 in the series.
The fact that FFI is a real disease horrified me!
Highly recommended!
June 3, 2024
The pace was slow, the plot was convoluted, and the women.....hmm. The ending was unsatisfying.
July 2, 2023
Connie Dark is looking for clues about her sister's death. This leads her to a crumbling and mostly derelict housing estate in London. Once lauded as the crowning work of architect William Stark, Grasmere Estate was to be the future of housing for all. The jewel in the crown of London. Stark was so convinced in his vision he moved into the estate himself and never left. It didn’t take long for cracks to appear, and for the dream to fall appart. With only a few residents left, the estate is primed to be demolished. Connie fails to find the evidence she is looking for, but when leaving, runs into the estate church to shelter from the rain and makes a startling discovery - William Stark, is hanging, apparently having taken his own life.
DI Lew Kirby is called in, and it soon becomes apparent that Stark was lured to his death, and hung up to try to cover the killer's tracks. Kirby needs to find out who wanted Stark dead, and why. The few remaining residents all seem to have secrets they want kept. Stark loved Grasmere with a passion, refusing to leave, even after his wife jumped from the top of one of the block of flats. His daughter is one of the remaining residents, and stands to inherit all her father has left. Is this a case of a crime of passion, a crime for money, or something more sinister? DI Kirby wonders if there is any connection to the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy from the estate who went missing decades ago.
The estate is an appropriately grim setting for murder, and for building a sense of desperation and despair. It is well described, and the characters in the story well written. Their oddness and eccentricities led you to believe any of them could be involved with the murder, or any of the other dramas being uncovered. The dual storylines involving Connie Darke and DI Kirby keeps the interest between the investigation and the history being uncovered. While the evidence all starts to gather and the story progresses, I found myself getting a little bored at times. The pace was too slow, while the setting was well done, creating the atmosphere and ensuring we, the readers, knew all the details, a little less to keep the pages turning may have been better. DI Kirby’s medical and relationship drama in the midst of the investigation felt almost shoe-horned into the story. While horrified to learn that FFI is real (I had to stop reading to Google that one for a moment!) I felt that the brief interludes of his relationship added nothing to him, his character or the story.
Overall an interesting read, and while Grasmere Estate may not be real, the ideology behind it was not too far removed from what has been tried in many areas, so it was interesting to read a book like this, set in an area like this. The majority of the story was a little too drawn out for my enjoyment, with the key action really only happening in the final few pages, but it is a good read if you enjoy a more psychological drama.
*I received this book for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
DI Lew Kirby is called in, and it soon becomes apparent that Stark was lured to his death, and hung up to try to cover the killer's tracks. Kirby needs to find out who wanted Stark dead, and why. The few remaining residents all seem to have secrets they want kept. Stark loved Grasmere with a passion, refusing to leave, even after his wife jumped from the top of one of the block of flats. His daughter is one of the remaining residents, and stands to inherit all her father has left. Is this a case of a crime of passion, a crime for money, or something more sinister? DI Kirby wonders if there is any connection to the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy from the estate who went missing decades ago.
The estate is an appropriately grim setting for murder, and for building a sense of desperation and despair. It is well described, and the characters in the story well written. Their oddness and eccentricities led you to believe any of them could be involved with the murder, or any of the other dramas being uncovered. The dual storylines involving Connie Darke and DI Kirby keeps the interest between the investigation and the history being uncovered. While the evidence all starts to gather and the story progresses, I found myself getting a little bored at times. The pace was too slow, while the setting was well done, creating the atmosphere and ensuring we, the readers, knew all the details, a little less to keep the pages turning may have been better. DI Kirby’s medical and relationship drama in the midst of the investigation felt almost shoe-horned into the story. While horrified to learn that FFI is real (I had to stop reading to Google that one for a moment!) I felt that the brief interludes of his relationship added nothing to him, his character or the story.
Overall an interesting read, and while Grasmere Estate may not be real, the ideology behind it was not too far removed from what has been tried in many areas, so it was interesting to read a book like this, set in an area like this. The majority of the story was a little too drawn out for my enjoyment, with the key action really only happening in the final few pages, but it is a good read if you enjoy a more psychological drama.
*I received this book for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
July 25, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of The Drowning Place, the second novel to feature DI Lew Kirby of the Met and architectural archivist and urban explorer Connie Darke.
Chasing up a lead on her sister’s mysterious death Connie stumbles across a body hanging from the rafters of a disused church in a derelict and almost abandoned housing estate. Kirby quickly identifies the body as William Stark, architect and resident of the estate and draws the conclusion that Stark was lured to his death. He wonders if there is a link to teenager Kevin Shires who disappeared from the estate over thirty years ago. What is not in doubt is that the remaining residents are keeping secrets.
I quite enjoyed The Drowning Place, which has a clever plot with some unexpected twists. I have not read the previous novel in the series so I came to this one as a new reader with no expectations and I found it a bit of a mixed bag.
The novel is told from three points of view, Kirby, Connie and Vernon Reid, who is an oddball resident and was a close friend of Kevin Shires, the missing teenager. All are investigating different aspects of the estate and its crimes. This is not a collaborative effort, so the reader gets a panoramic view of events and the angles while each character plods along in their own lane. I can see why the author would want to present the story in this way, but I felt that it slows the novel down and prevents an immersive read. Having said that, I liked the plot and think that it is well conceived with a lot of thought put in. It is a relatively slow read for much of the book, but it’s worth hanging around because the final few chapters are tense and explosive as things come to a head. I would never have guessed that events would take such a turn and it was a welcome boost of last minute energy.
I didn’t feel any affinity with the characters as they don’t set the read on fire. Kirby is the least colourful, Connie sits in the middle, while Vern Reid is an oddball par excellence as a survivor of Waco with an end of days faith. Even so, he doesn’t come alive.
The Drowning Place is a solid read.
Chasing up a lead on her sister’s mysterious death Connie stumbles across a body hanging from the rafters of a disused church in a derelict and almost abandoned housing estate. Kirby quickly identifies the body as William Stark, architect and resident of the estate and draws the conclusion that Stark was lured to his death. He wonders if there is a link to teenager Kevin Shires who disappeared from the estate over thirty years ago. What is not in doubt is that the remaining residents are keeping secrets.
I quite enjoyed The Drowning Place, which has a clever plot with some unexpected twists. I have not read the previous novel in the series so I came to this one as a new reader with no expectations and I found it a bit of a mixed bag.
The novel is told from three points of view, Kirby, Connie and Vernon Reid, who is an oddball resident and was a close friend of Kevin Shires, the missing teenager. All are investigating different aspects of the estate and its crimes. This is not a collaborative effort, so the reader gets a panoramic view of events and the angles while each character plods along in their own lane. I can see why the author would want to present the story in this way, but I felt that it slows the novel down and prevents an immersive read. Having said that, I liked the plot and think that it is well conceived with a lot of thought put in. It is a relatively slow read for much of the book, but it’s worth hanging around because the final few chapters are tense and explosive as things come to a head. I would never have guessed that events would take such a turn and it was a welcome boost of last minute energy.
I didn’t feel any affinity with the characters as they don’t set the read on fire. Kirby is the least colourful, Connie sits in the middle, while Vern Reid is an oddball par excellence as a survivor of Waco with an end of days faith. Even so, he doesn’t come alive.
The Drowning Place is a solid read.
September 1, 2023
Although this is second in the series it can be read on its own. I read the first, it’s been awhile and I had to refresh my memory on DI Lew Kirby’s character. The setting is in London at Grasmere, also referred to as the estate, and it’s as pertinent to the story as are the characters. Grasmere is what I believe Americans would call tenements or the projects. The crumbling complex is being demolished to make way for progress. Kirby is called to Grasmere where a grisly scene awaits him. His friend, Connie, had gone to Grasmere looking for answers. What she found wasn’t the answers about her sister’s death but a hanging body. Connie’s an urban explorer, (something I hadn’t known about before the first book) her curiosity gets her into interesting, sometimes dangerous, scenarios. She works at a financially troubled architectural archive.
DI Lew Kirby has some personal trauma to process, medical questions after the loss of his mother. He and longtime girlfriend also have life changing news and choices to make. First he needs to focus on Grasmere, look for clues, interview the few remaining residents at the crumbling estate. One of those still living there is Reid. He’s suffering from PTSD as a result of surviving the Waco tragedy. The author works the historic events of the Koresh standoff into Reid’s life. It was a different perspective from another country about the long-term effects of that horrific tragedy in my home state. There was obvious disdain for the American FBI.
There are substantial characters throughout with a plot including murder, affairs, secrets long buried and suspects at every turn. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere the author captures. It kept me guessing until the end and I hope there will be more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Drowning Place” Detective Lew Kirby series #2, by S W Kane, Published by Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation
DI Lew Kirby has some personal trauma to process, medical questions after the loss of his mother. He and longtime girlfriend also have life changing news and choices to make. First he needs to focus on Grasmere, look for clues, interview the few remaining residents at the crumbling estate. One of those still living there is Reid. He’s suffering from PTSD as a result of surviving the Waco tragedy. The author works the historic events of the Koresh standoff into Reid’s life. It was a different perspective from another country about the long-term effects of that horrific tragedy in my home state. There was obvious disdain for the American FBI.
There are substantial characters throughout with a plot including murder, affairs, secrets long buried and suspects at every turn. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere the author captures. It kept me guessing until the end and I hope there will be more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Drowning Place” Detective Lew Kirby series #2, by S W Kane, Published by Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation
October 26, 2023
I have been so impressed with The Drowning Place by S W Kane, it's a story that is packed with atmosphere and tension, with the author slowly and surely revealing more to the reader.
The Drowning Place is the second book to feature Detective Lew Kirby. The first, The Bone Jar, was published in 2020. Whilst I do have a copy of The Bone Jar, it is still waiting to be read! However, this takes nothing away from the reading experience of The Drowning Place. It reads well as a stand alone, with the author carefully adding any back story as needed, and she does that very well, it's not overwhelming at all.
Connie Darke is determined to find out more about her sister's death, and her quest has led her to the derelict Grasmere Estate in London. Connie is an urban explorer and well used to spending time in old, crumbling buildings, but what she finds at Grasmere is horrific. Hanging from the ceiling in the estate church is William Stark. Stark was the architect that designed the estate, and one of the few residents still living there.
Enter Detective Lew Kirby, who soon begins to realise that this must be murder. But who wants Stark dead, and why?
S W Kane takes her readers on a journey that is so well imagined and filled with characters who often appear to be more than a little strange. Grasmere itself is a major character in this tale, and the descriptive language whilst describing the estate adds so much to the tension in the plot.
The author also manages to interweave Connie and Lew's own back stories which adds to both of their characters, making them appear human and so realistic.
An intriguing mystery story, written so well and encompassing such a vivid sense of place. Recommended by me.
The Drowning Place is the second book to feature Detective Lew Kirby. The first, The Bone Jar, was published in 2020. Whilst I do have a copy of The Bone Jar, it is still waiting to be read! However, this takes nothing away from the reading experience of The Drowning Place. It reads well as a stand alone, with the author carefully adding any back story as needed, and she does that very well, it's not overwhelming at all.
Connie Darke is determined to find out more about her sister's death, and her quest has led her to the derelict Grasmere Estate in London. Connie is an urban explorer and well used to spending time in old, crumbling buildings, but what she finds at Grasmere is horrific. Hanging from the ceiling in the estate church is William Stark. Stark was the architect that designed the estate, and one of the few residents still living there.
Enter Detective Lew Kirby, who soon begins to realise that this must be murder. But who wants Stark dead, and why?
S W Kane takes her readers on a journey that is so well imagined and filled with characters who often appear to be more than a little strange. Grasmere itself is a major character in this tale, and the descriptive language whilst describing the estate adds so much to the tension in the plot.
The author also manages to interweave Connie and Lew's own back stories which adds to both of their characters, making them appear human and so realistic.
An intriguing mystery story, written so well and encompassing such a vivid sense of place. Recommended by me.
October 25, 2023
The Drowning Place by S W Kane
Book 2 of 2 Book 1 The Bone Jar
Murder on an abandoned housing development—and a web of dark secrets stretching back a decade.
Looking for clues about her sister's death, urban explorer Connie Darke makes a terrifying discovery: William Stark, the estate's architect, is hanging from the church's vaulted ceiling.
For DI Lew Kirby, there's no doubt that somebody lured Stark to his death—but who wanted him dead, and why? Connie is desperate to find a connection to her sister; Kirby discovers that the remaining residents have something to hide.
Could there be a connection between Stark's death and the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy who went missing from the estate decades ago? And with Kirby and Connie both digging into the long-buried history of the estate's darkest corners, what other secrets will be unearthed from the ruins of Grasmere?
The Drowning Place by S W Kane was a satisfying descriptive read; it has a good plot with interesting characters and an explosive end.
I want to thank publishers, Thomas & Mercer, the author and Anne from Random Things Tours for a copy to read and review.
Book 2 of 2 Book 1 The Bone Jar
Murder on an abandoned housing development—and a web of dark secrets stretching back a decade.
Looking for clues about her sister's death, urban explorer Connie Darke makes a terrifying discovery: William Stark, the estate's architect, is hanging from the church's vaulted ceiling.
For DI Lew Kirby, there's no doubt that somebody lured Stark to his death—but who wanted him dead, and why? Connie is desperate to find a connection to her sister; Kirby discovers that the remaining residents have something to hide.
Could there be a connection between Stark's death and the unsolved case of Kevin Shires, a boy who went missing from the estate decades ago? And with Kirby and Connie both digging into the long-buried history of the estate's darkest corners, what other secrets will be unearthed from the ruins of Grasmere?
The Drowning Place by S W Kane was a satisfying descriptive read; it has a good plot with interesting characters and an explosive end.
I want to thank publishers, Thomas & Mercer, the author and Anne from Random Things Tours for a copy to read and review.
October 4, 2023
The setting for SW Kane's novel is the Grasmere housing estate, now all-but abandoned save a few obstinate residents who linger on... but what is keeping them there?
The crumbling walkways, disused lifts and dank, unlit corners of the Grasmere sink estate provide a fitting backdrop for SW Kane's array of characters, who are similarly broken or in danger of falling apart. The architectural setting might be on the brink of collapse, but the plot is cleverly constructed and kept me guessing from the moment that urban explorer Connie Darke discovers a grisly murder.
It's the second in a series, but information from the first book is woven into the plot so that readers like me, who have yet to enjoy The Bone Jar, can hit the ground running.
I'm interested in architecture and the way that buildings reflect and affect our lives, so I loved discovering more about urban explorers, and the atmosphere of disused, abandoned urban buildings – and the people who drift through them or feel compelled to linger in them – is conveyed superbly.
The crumbling walkways, disused lifts and dank, unlit corners of the Grasmere sink estate provide a fitting backdrop for SW Kane's array of characters, who are similarly broken or in danger of falling apart. The architectural setting might be on the brink of collapse, but the plot is cleverly constructed and kept me guessing from the moment that urban explorer Connie Darke discovers a grisly murder.
It's the second in a series, but information from the first book is woven into the plot so that readers like me, who have yet to enjoy The Bone Jar, can hit the ground running.
I'm interested in architecture and the way that buildings reflect and affect our lives, so I loved discovering more about urban explorers, and the atmosphere of disused, abandoned urban buildings – and the people who drift through them or feel compelled to linger in them – is conveyed superbly.
October 20, 2023
Connie Darke an urban explorer stumbles upon a body in the abandoned church of a soon to be demolished housing estate in london.
DI Lew Kirby is the lead investigator in charge and things aren't as simple as they seem, secrets have been lurking in The Grassmere Estate for decades and the time has come for those secrets to be spilled.
A well written, fast paced police procedural, murdery mystery. This one does have a lot going on so you really need to pay attention but, the author pulls it altogether seamlessly and the mystery levels were high! I thought I has cracked this one early on but, as always these authors have other ideas, I only just guessed some of what was going on before the twist was revealed and it was a good one!
I really enjoyed this book! A solid stand-alone crime thriller with likable characters and an engaing story that held my attention and I'd definitely like to read more DI Kirby/Connie Darke novels because and slight spoiler alert this one ends in kind of a cliffhanger that has left me wanting to know more!!
DI Lew Kirby is the lead investigator in charge and things aren't as simple as they seem, secrets have been lurking in The Grassmere Estate for decades and the time has come for those secrets to be spilled.
A well written, fast paced police procedural, murdery mystery. This one does have a lot going on so you really need to pay attention but, the author pulls it altogether seamlessly and the mystery levels were high! I thought I has cracked this one early on but, as always these authors have other ideas, I only just guessed some of what was going on before the twist was revealed and it was a good one!
I really enjoyed this book! A solid stand-alone crime thriller with likable characters and an engaing story that held my attention and I'd definitely like to read more DI Kirby/Connie Darke novels because and slight spoiler alert this one ends in kind of a cliffhanger that has left me wanting to know more!!
September 4, 2023
Having read the first book when it was released I was pleased to see a 2nd book was coming out and quickly requested it on NetGalley and am pleased I did as this is an excellent follow up.
I quickly picked back up the story thread of book 1 - but this is absolutely fine to read as a stand-alone - and soon felt myself enjoying the characters of DI Lew Kirby, Connie Darke and the affable Anderson.
What I like is that this story offers something a little different in Urban Explorer Connie, and S W Kane draws a picture of the derelict and crumbling London estate really well.
It’s gritty and dark in parts. But there is an bit of humour from Anderson along the way.
The plotting is great, the use of the environment and the buildings almost being characters themselves is really excellent and as the pages turn quickly, the story unfolds and it all comes together in a way I happy with.
It’s a great thriller and I’m glad it’s as a good as the first book I was a big fan of.
I quickly picked back up the story thread of book 1 - but this is absolutely fine to read as a stand-alone - and soon felt myself enjoying the characters of DI Lew Kirby, Connie Darke and the affable Anderson.
What I like is that this story offers something a little different in Urban Explorer Connie, and S W Kane draws a picture of the derelict and crumbling London estate really well.
It’s gritty and dark in parts. But there is an bit of humour from Anderson along the way.
The plotting is great, the use of the environment and the buildings almost being characters themselves is really excellent and as the pages turn quickly, the story unfolds and it all comes together in a way I happy with.
It’s a great thriller and I’m glad it’s as a good as the first book I was a big fan of.
October 29, 2023
This books tosses you straight into the mix and rolls you round with thrilling twists before spitting you out with an on the edge of your seat exciting ending.
I knew I wanted to read this book, with the brilliant cover and exciting blurb, and then as soon as I opened the book I was absolutely hooked. The author has a way of really getting you into the moment. You are hoping Connie is able to find out more about her sister, then twist- you are trying to find out all the details of a highly likely murder. The twists and turns don’t stop there though and you are given the possibility that there is more going on in the estate and you need to follow the loose ends to find out who and how many people are behind it, not to mention why.
I loved the detail and level of storytelling put in to this book. It is really brought to life and highly exciting. You really feel as though you are there, trying to solve the crimes. Brilliant read.
I knew I wanted to read this book, with the brilliant cover and exciting blurb, and then as soon as I opened the book I was absolutely hooked. The author has a way of really getting you into the moment. You are hoping Connie is able to find out more about her sister, then twist- you are trying to find out all the details of a highly likely murder. The twists and turns don’t stop there though and you are given the possibility that there is more going on in the estate and you need to follow the loose ends to find out who and how many people are behind it, not to mention why.
I loved the detail and level of storytelling put in to this book. It is really brought to life and highly exciting. You really feel as though you are there, trying to solve the crimes. Brilliant read.
June 11, 2023
This is the second book in the Detective Lew Kirby Series by S.W. Kane, published by Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is The Bone Jar.
The story picks up soon after the other book was left off. Set in London UK, Lew and Connie are up for the next big adventure.
Connie is looking for clues for her sister's dead, leading her to boarded up buildings where she finds a body.
Det. Lew gets assigned to this case and together they're in for the ride of their lives.
A dark and angsty read, a thriller/ mystery of its finest. An hairraising, goosbumpsgiving read full of drama, suspense, fast paced, full ot twists and turns. I recommend this outstanding read, 5 stars.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is The Bone Jar.
The story picks up soon after the other book was left off. Set in London UK, Lew and Connie are up for the next big adventure.
Connie is looking for clues for her sister's dead, leading her to boarded up buildings where she finds a body.
Det. Lew gets assigned to this case and together they're in for the ride of their lives.
A dark and angsty read, a thriller/ mystery of its finest. An hairraising, goosbumpsgiving read full of drama, suspense, fast paced, full ot twists and turns. I recommend this outstanding read, 5 stars.
November 7, 2023
Good if flawed sequel
I've enjoyed both of the Kirby books. He is a very likable detective. The basic stories are interesting and culminate nicely.
However this book is too long by about 50 pages regurgitating the other protagonist's obsession with her sister's death SIX YEARS BEFORE. She is the classic trope of the amateur sleuth who runs headlong into jeopardy, endangering her life and the careers of Kirby and his boss. Based on the ending of this book, if there is a third you can bet this obsession will continue. My advice to Kane is edit the book length, and If you are going continue with the character of Connie then tie up that story line.
I've enjoyed both of the Kirby books. He is a very likable detective. The basic stories are interesting and culminate nicely.
However this book is too long by about 50 pages regurgitating the other protagonist's obsession with her sister's death SIX YEARS BEFORE. She is the classic trope of the amateur sleuth who runs headlong into jeopardy, endangering her life and the careers of Kirby and his boss. Based on the ending of this book, if there is a third you can bet this obsession will continue. My advice to Kane is edit the book length, and If you are going continue with the character of Connie then tie up that story line.
February 25, 2024
As an American, I learned quite a bit about modern British culture through this book. I had no idea they had their own version of the United States' infamous public housing. Kane's experience in architecture is evident throughout, and I learned a lot of new terms.
Connie's penchant for disregarding advice and putting herself in dangerous situations is annoying at times, but at least she owns her responsibility for the consequences. I enjoyed the narration from the point of view of several different characters and trying to figure out how everything fit together.
I hope there's another book in this series, because I'm definitely invested in Connie and Detective Kirby's stories!
Connie's penchant for disregarding advice and putting herself in dangerous situations is annoying at times, but at least she owns her responsibility for the consequences. I enjoyed the narration from the point of view of several different characters and trying to figure out how everything fit together.
I hope there's another book in this series, because I'm definitely invested in Connie and Detective Kirby's stories!
May 21, 2023
Kane definitely knows how to choose her settings.
The abandoned estate in my mind was creepy, derelict, all sorts of broken down... and a little bit spooky.
Because of that, the remaining tenants were all a tad odd, and I was willing to believe any or all of them guilty of murder.
Lew is a good solid dependable character, and I really like him. He works hard,and there's no nonsense .
I'm slightly horrified to discover the FFI is real though!
This book moved at a good pace, and the finale was action packed.
Everything tying together nicely at the end.
Just a really good read.
The abandoned estate in my mind was creepy, derelict, all sorts of broken down... and a little bit spooky.
Because of that, the remaining tenants were all a tad odd, and I was willing to believe any or all of them guilty of murder.
Lew is a good solid dependable character, and I really like him. He works hard,and there's no nonsense .
I'm slightly horrified to discover the FFI is real though!
This book moved at a good pace, and the finale was action packed.
Everything tying together nicely at the end.
Just a really good read.
June 16, 2023
This is the second book in the Dective Lew Kirby Series.
This book is just as good as the first book in the series.
The protagonist is Alice, A lady who after receiving a troubling message from her estranged sister, decides to visit her childhood home. Alice uncovers a labyrinth of family secrets and unrecognised traumas as she investigates the riddles surrounding her sister's abduction, which threatens to engulf her. The tension increases via turns and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
This book had me gripped. I read this in one sitting as I needed more of the book.
This book is just as good as the first book in the series.
The protagonist is Alice, A lady who after receiving a troubling message from her estranged sister, decides to visit her childhood home. Alice uncovers a labyrinth of family secrets and unrecognised traumas as she investigates the riddles surrounding her sister's abduction, which threatens to engulf her. The tension increases via turns and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
This book had me gripped. I read this in one sitting as I needed more of the book.
October 17, 2023
A man has been found hanging from an abandoned church on a soon to be demolished estate.
Does it connect with two missing boys from many years before? Why did the dead man live on the estate for as long as he did?
These are questions that the investigating detectives need to answer to get to the bottom of the man's death. Unfortunately it's possible other people are going to get hurt as the facts are sought.
I really enjoyed this read.
Does it connect with two missing boys from many years before? Why did the dead man live on the estate for as long as he did?
These are questions that the investigating detectives need to answer to get to the bottom of the man's death. Unfortunately it's possible other people are going to get hurt as the facts are sought.
I really enjoyed this read.
January 21, 2024
Great 2nd book in DI kirby seriea. This time a man is found hanged in the church on a soon to be bulldozed housing estate. It's up to DI Kirby and Connie to unravel the secrets held by the remaining residents. Such a brilliant second installment and love the characters. Its like a modern day detective series with historical buildings thrown in which makes it more intriguing. Can't wait for the next one
December 17, 2023
Goodreads Giveaway Arc review
Although, I have not read the first book in thin enough series I was not lost in the story. This book was clever and intriguing. I kept wanting to come back to this book. I'll be reading the first book, and looking for more by this author. I really enjoyed this detective novel.
Although, I have not read the first book in thin enough series I was not lost in the story. This book was clever and intriguing. I kept wanting to come back to this book. I'll be reading the first book, and looking for more by this author. I really enjoyed this detective novel.
January 6, 2024
Detective Lew Kirby is back in this story about the murder of the architect and resident of a run-down building in a derelict London neighborhood. I enjoyed reading the first story in this series, The Bone Jar, and this one, the 2nd, was just as good. The Bone Jar really creeped me out, which I love, and The Drowning Place was almost as creepy as the first.
January 14, 2024
This might just be a me thing, but I could not follow the characters. I listened to the first book in the series twice and am still confused as to who is who for all but the main characters but didn't care enough about any of the characters to stop and try and map it out. This has never happened for me but maybe it's just a mismatch between the author's and my brains.
February 7, 2024
The Drowning Place -
I loved this book. It really grabbed me from start to finish and I just didn’t want to put it down. The book has you guessing throughout and whilst I had an inkling who the guilty party was, there were a few twists and turns I didn’t expect. It’s a 5 out of 5 from me.
I loved this book. It really grabbed me from start to finish and I just didn’t want to put it down. The book has you guessing throughout and whilst I had an inkling who the guilty party was, there were a few twists and turns I didn’t expect. It’s a 5 out of 5 from me.
October 12, 2023
This an interesting thriller as there's the whodunit part and there's the description of an abandoned building and it's architecture.
I enjoyed it even if it was a bit easy to guess the plot.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I enjoyed it even if it was a bit easy to guess the plot.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 19, 2023
Great books
These are a really good read. Have enjoyed both and hope there will be more. Superb descriptions of derelict and ruined areas of London. Good characters whom you care about. Great plotlines.
These are a really good read. Have enjoyed both and hope there will be more. Superb descriptions of derelict and ruined areas of London. Good characters whom you care about. Great plotlines.
August 26, 2024
The Drowning Place
What a remarkable reading experience! I am sure that I have never read or heard any other writers make such statements about death and dying so dramatically. I am going to read the 1st book now!
What a remarkable reading experience! I am sure that I have never read or heard any other writers make such statements about death and dying so dramatically. I am going to read the 1st book now!
October 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book, there was a lot going on and it all comes together easily, no sudden jumps. I also really care about what will happen next to the characters.
November 9, 2023
Interesting case work with good characters
I like Lew Kirby more and more with each book. This one was a little long but held my attention and came together well in the end.
I like Lew Kirby more and more with each book. This one was a little long but held my attention and came together well in the end.
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