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Dark Tides #1

Into the Rain

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She might be broken, but he’s the one who needs rescuing.
Lacey Carmichael is the daughter of a rich, influential family, and has led a sheltered life. Until she witnesses a horrific crime while working as a junior constable and decides to leave her job and simplify her life by travelling around Tasmania in her Kombi van. But her vehicle breaks down, and she becomes stranded in a tiny backwater town.
Detective Nico Favreau approaches to offer his help, but in the dark Lacey mistakes him for a mugger and uses her Judo skills to incapacitate him. Ending up on the ground, Nico’s ego takes a beating, but when the sight of the blood on his face, triggers flashbacks for Lacey, he takes it on himself to offer her a place to stay.
But this sleepy little township is not all it seems and on an early morning walk, Lacey responds to a call for help, only to find a woman unconscious, suffering stab wounds to her chest, lying in her front yard. But there is nothing Lacey can do to save the woman, and Lacey is now caught up in a murder investigation.
A suspected serial killer is haunting the Tasmanian coastline, and Nico thinks the dead girl might be another of his victims. Stuck in Boat Harbour, and against her wishes, Lacey is drawn deeper into the conspiracy and lies that only a small town can hold. When she becomes the next target of the killer, Nico must do everything in his power and put his job on the line to save her.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2023

67 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne Cass

47 books52 followers
Suzanne Cass has always had a fascination with the tough resilience of people who live in our amazing red-dirt outback country. Much of her adolescence was spent working as a jillaroo in the Snowy Mountains, forming her love of lean, enigmatic, cowboy heroes in wild, passionate, dangerous stories. When not writing about the characters that inhabit her head, Suzanne can be found prowling the Perth beaches with her border collie, or yelling from the sidelines as her two sons play sport. Her debut novel, Island Redemption won the Romance Writers of Australia award for best unpublished romance novel of 2016.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,354 reviews73 followers
April 11, 2023
Into the Rain: is book one in the new series by Suzanne Cass called Dark Tides series. Lacey Carmichael was travelling around Tasmania in her Kombi Van when she broke down in a small town called Boat Harbour Beah. Detective Nico Favreau was on his way home when he came to cross Lacey and gave her a place to stay. Lacey thought it would be only an overnight stay. However, parts for the Kombi needed to come from the mainland, and she became involved in a murder enquiry. The readers of Into the Rain will continue to follow Lacey Carmichael and Nico Favreau to find out what happens.

Wow, another fantastic new series by Suzanne Cass. I enjoy that Suzanne Cass discusses social issues that affect everyone in the community. I kept up the tradition of engaging with the plot and characters of Suzanne Cass's books. I love Suzanne Cass's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. I like Suzanne Cass's writing style and how she researches her stories. I like Suzanne Cass's descriptions of the settings of Into the Rain, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Into the Rain will understand the consequences of trauma on law enforcement officers. Also, the readers of Into the Rain will learn about walking in beautiful Tasmania.

Thank you to the author for my ARC copy exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Suzanne Mack.
307 reviews
November 24, 2023
This was very boring reading. There was just so much more to the narrative than was necessary.
260 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2023
When we first meet Lacey, she is in protective mode as she defends herself against a man. We meet Nico, who is was coming to assist Lacey. He is covered in blood, which Lacey had inflicted on him.

But, he invites Lacey to stay in his backyard in her Kombi Van. She agrees.

Lacey gets to know Nico, but when a murder occurs nearby, Nico wants Lacey close by to have her protected.

As the story continues, Lacey becomes the object of the murderer and Nico has a fight on his hands to save her.

A twisting story that you don’t want to put down, as it twines it’s way into your emotions.
1,290 reviews
April 9, 2023
This is a brilliant start to Suzanne Cass's new "The Dark Tides" series, it has a lovely emotional HEA with an intriguing hint at what is to follow,
When Lacey felt a hand on her shoulder, in the dark backwater town, her instincts took over, she may only be sleight but the perpetrator was on his back, bleeding, thrown over her shoulder, her judo training had served her well.........or had it ? her "attacker" was non other than Detective Nico Faveau of the Burnie PD.
Lacey was a junior constable, she came from a wealthy family, a family that she had to escape from, a mother who had to be at the centre of everyone's attention, a mother who cared more about what people thought than her family's happiness. After witnessing a distressing murder, Lacey knew that she needed some time out and much to her overbearing mother's disapproval she set of in her beloved Kombi van, Dotti, to tour the wilds of Tasmania.....that was until Dotti broke down in the quiet backwater town of Boat Harbour, it was there that she met Nico the detective who was just trying to help when she decked him. Lacey had no choice but to stay in Boat Harbour until Dotti was fixed, could things get any worse ?.........yes they could, Lacey was to become involved in yet another gruesome murder.
This story follows the threat of a serial killer, of Lacey and Nico quickly realizing that there was a real spark between them but was Nico ready for a commitment, was Lacey ready to leave her town life. A murderer was on the loose and Nico needed to find out who the killer was, many suspects come out of the woodwork, many red herrings are thrown , when it became clear that Lacey's life was in danger Nico went into overdrive, he would do anything to protect her but did he love her enough to ask her to stay ?
A heartwarming romance with angst.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
496 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
She might be broken, but he’s the one who needs rescuing.

Lacey Carmichael is the daughter of a rich, influential family, and has led a sheltered life. Until she witnesses a horrific crime while working as a junior constable and decides to leave her job and simplify her life by travelling around Tasmania in her Kombi van. But her vehicle breaks down, and she becomes stranded in a tiny backwater town.

Detective Nico Favreau approaches to offer his help, but in the dark Lacey mistakes him for a mugger and uses her Judo skills to incapacitate him. Ending up on the ground, Nico’s ego takes a beating, but when the sight of the blood on his face, triggers flashbacks for Lacey, he takes it on himself to offer her a place to stay.

But this sleepy little township is not all it seems and on an early morning walk, Lacey responds to a call for help, only to find a woman unconscious, suffering stab wounds to her chest, lying in her front yard. But there is nothing Lacey can do to save the woman, and Lacey is now caught up in a murder investigation.

Another brilliant book by Suzanne - cannot wait for the next one in the series. This book had me hooked from the first chapter and the more I read, the more engrossed I became. It is also the story of two dedicated police officers who have seen the worst and the best of people on possibility the hardest day of their lives, and how their lives become entwined to help each other heal. The twists and turns of the story will have you intrigued, from page to page and chapter to chapter! I absolutely loved the characters of Lacey and Nico and must not forget Smudge, the endearing Border Collie.

This book is a great start to a new series. I have read quite a few series by Suzanne and have loved them - this one will not disappoint.
Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Claire Louisa.
2,134 reviews122 followers
April 16, 2023
4.5 Stars

I think this has to be one of my favourite Suzanne Cass novels to date, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and found it hard to put down. It was a great start to her new series. Lacey and Nico were such good characters to get to know and I enjoyed the crime and mystery aspect of this story immensely. Set in Tasmania in Boat Harbour Bay, a place I had to look up because I needed to know if it was a real place or not, which it is, I thought this was the perfect setting for this book.

I was hooked from the start, as we meet Lacey, a young woman on leave from the police force after struggling with a traumatic event, she is travelling around Tasmania in an old Kombi van (something I would love to do) in order to give herself time and space to heal. When she breaks down at night in a cold deserted carpark and our hero Nico comes to the rescue. Lacey isn't totally on board when she first meets him and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow into friendship then more as they deal with Lacey coming across a traumatic murder and Nico investigating the crime.

It would be hard to be a police officer in a small town and we see how hard it is for Nico to do his job while dealing with people he considers friends in the community and having to investigate them. Lacey learns a lot about what she is capable of and does a lot of figuring out what she really wants out of her life. Lacey's parents, her mother, in particular, was a piece of work and I wanted to set the guard geese onto her.

Nico also has to deal with his mother springing a nasty surprise onto him whilst in the middle of the murder investigation and I'm hoping we get to follow this mystery in the next book.
1,472 reviews23 followers
May 1, 2023
I loved this romantic suspense book by Suzanne Cass that kept me reading until the end. Lacey was a constable who witnessed a young girl being stabbed by her drug induced mother and Lacey couldn't save the girl. Suffering from PTSD, Lacey took a year off without pay to travel and figure out what she wanted to do. When her car breaks down in Tasmania, she is surprised by Nico and takes him down with her Judo skills before she realizes he was trying to help her and he is a constable. When Nico realizes Lacey is having a PTSD episode after seeing his blood, he offers to let her stay with him until her car can be fixed. When Lacey is walking Nico's dog, she tries to save a woman who has been stabbed and is lying in her yard. Nico is in charge of the investigation to find out who murdered his neighbor. There are several suspects but in the end they are all shocked to find out who the murderer is after he kidnaps Lacey and tries to kill her. Nico and Lacey fall in love while comforting each other and the surprise ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a high paced romantic suspense. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for ayrisa jones.
7 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
"Into the Rain" is such an amazing first edition from Suzanne Cass to her new "Dark Tides" series! I loved every second of this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Suzanne Cass has such a lovely writing style, from the descriptions of our hero and heroine to the sleepy town setting, every line had me hooked, and every chapter left me saying "Maybe one more?" This was my first romantic suspense novel, as well as my first novel from this lovely author, and I must say I was so pleasantly surprised. I look forward to reading more from this author and cannot wait to see another installation in this series.

Lacey and Nico were such a great hero and heroine. From their first meeting I was gushing over them! Both Lacey and Nico were very strong characters with so much depth, as well as a softness to them, that I very much enjoyed reading. We meet our kick-ass heroine, Lacey as she is travelling around Tasmania in her Combi Van when the van breaks down in a little town. Nico, charming local police office, eligible bachelor, and my latest book boyfriend, swoops in to help her, offering her a place to stay until van repairs can get her back to travelling. However, when sparks begin to fly between the two, what will happen when both get involved in a local murder case, with Nico as the primary detective, and Lacey as a primary witness?

Every character was written so well, from Nico's sweet dog, Smudge, to the local friendly, gossipy woman, Margie. There was something so cosy about the atmosphere of this book. The way the small-town setting was written makes me want to road trip around Tasmania in a Combi Van like Lacey - although hopefully without getting involved in a murder case.

The mystery of this novel was such a journey, that had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning! Suzanne Cass has a wonderful talent for writing such compelling mysteries, and I found myself questioning every suspicious character until the very end.

Mixed with Lacey and Nico's swoon worthy romance, and the gripping mystery, "Into the Rain" was an absolute delight to read, and I cannot wait to get to read more from Suzanne Cass. I had the absolute privilege of receiving a free copy of this novel in exchange for this free review. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cosy small-town mystery, and a romance to leave you wanting more. Suzanne Cass has a way with words that left me not wanting to put this book down.
261 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2023
Nico and Lacey meet in a startling group way on the side of a road where her vehicle has broken down. He approaches her unannounced and ends up on the ground when she uses self defense skills to protect herself. It turns out he's a cop. She's left a recent job as a cop to recover from a horrific accident. She manages to walk into other horror scenes as the book progresses and with Nico's support and that of a psychologist she grows stronger.
Lacey is lucky to have the opportunity to stay at Nico's place while her car is repaired. Of course one thing leads to another and soon they're sharing more than a place to park her camper.
While solving g murder mysteries together they discover their police training provides them with the likemindedness needed to catch the criminal.
I've read many of Cass's books and this was a favorite.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
1,692 reviews11 followers
April 15, 2023
This book is so good! Everybody was a suspect in my eyes and as the pages were turned, I said "You see that, I knew it was him/her/them!" Suzanne Cas had me spinning the pages so that I could get verification, but alas, it was only at the end one reveals a twisted mind.
Unforseen circumstances keep Lacey in Boat Harbour and she becomes a witness in a homicide investigation. Nico, a detective in the town had offered Lacey a place to stay until her van was repaired. He found her intelligence and ability to pick up on clues a big help.
Forever seems an unachievable place for him, but can he find peace without it?
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,049 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2023
Fantastic mystery!

Wow - I was totally hooked on this book from cover to cover. The book dealt with hard truths about the impact of traumatic events and recovery. while a beautiful romantic liaison was being explored. The characters and the plot are captivating. One of the best mysteries I've read. Looking forward to more books in this series to follow the lives of Lacey and Nico and their enthralling investigations.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion of the book.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,490 reviews25 followers
April 6, 2023
Lacey is travelling around Tasmania when her campervan packs up. Nico goes to help but it doesn't end as expected! A great meeting!
Lacey is trying to decide what she's going to do, she's a police officer in Melbourne, but has had a traumatic incident.
Nico is a detective trying to find a serial killer when Lacey comes across another crime, who's the perpetrator? Why is Lacey being targeted?

A great start to the series from Suzanne, hope the next one isn't too far away!
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
December 12, 2023
If there were any changes to be made to this awesome story it would be to add a touch more spice in the bedroom instead of glossing it over. With that said, I really enjoyed this book. The author drops enough clues early on so that the reader has a strong suspicion of whose guilty of the local murder, but continues trying to throw others into the spotlight of suspicion. Good suspense, flowing writing style with clean editing and believable characters make for a great reading experience.
Profile Image for Coco.
641 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2023
5* A good read

What an excellent start to the author's new romantic mystery series set in Tasmania.

After being involved in an horrific crime, Lacey Carmichael has taken a year's medical leave as a police constable in Melbourne. Travelling in her camping van she's reached Tasmania, her van breaks down in the backwater town of Boat Harbour. Detective Nico Favreau discovers Lacey in a parking area and suggests, as there's information of a serial killer on the island, she'll be safer to park on his land while waiting for her van to be repaired. One morning while walking Nico’s dog, Lacey is alerted by the distressed calls of an elderly neighbour and discovers a young woman brutally stabbed. Nico leads the police investigation and everyone in the small town is a suspect, including Lacey.

Hopefully more books will follow featuring Nico's criminal investigations, also there's the onging search for the serial killer - I'm looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Texastwang.
581 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2023
This is a HEA. But you can tell there are unresolved issues at the end that I am sure will be addressed in the next book.
Is was exciting book with very few slow portions. A great series starter. Can't wait to see where this goes.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book
Profile Image for Teresa Williams.
556 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2023
For the first half of this book, I hated having to set it down. Then I started skimming parts. I did finish, and was happy with the ending. Though there were parts that seemed to lag for me, overall, it was a good story and I enjoyed it very much. I definitely want to learn more about, and possibly visit Tasmania!
Profile Image for Lennie McDonald.
339 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2024
I liked this book. An easy read that I found hard to put down.
Stranded in a small town, Lacey finds herself staying with a kind fellow police officer. A serial killer is on the loose and she finds helping to be intriguing.
Lacey finds friendship and love in the small town...maybe she should stay there!
1 review
April 17, 2023
I have just finished into the rain, it took about 3 days, and I loved it
I couldn't put it down ,one of your best, and I think I have read I have read them all.
Are you doing a sequel to this one, I hope so.
168 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2023
into the rain

Great story of PTSD and how individuals cope, to recover. A story of murder, intrigue,love, and descriptions of the beauty of Tasmania. A murder case to be solved, and unravel the myriad of clues
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
June 3, 2023
didn't realise it's not a one book story until i was updating in goodreads, zzz... there is a second book continuation with the same characters.
Profile Image for Wendy Campbell.
434 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2023
Wonderful!
I have been searching lately for a book to grab me and this did it.
I couldn't put it down. Just loved Nico and Lacey, I hope the rest of the series is just as enjoyable.
8 reviews
July 1, 2025
Great book

I loved this book. The story was so good and you can't predict what is going to happen.
Recommend to anyone that loves a good thriller with romance thrown in to the mix.
Profile Image for Merrin.
75 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I liked the story. I love a good crime mystery but figured out this one fairly early on. Keen to read the next 2 books.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,343 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2023
A young woman's Kombi breaks down while on a trip and someone stops to help her she ends up defending herself she thought she was in danger. Turns out the guy is a cop, he invites her to stay on his property while her van is fixed. Really good start to a new series mystery, suspense and romance. The second book comes out in August and it can't come soon enough. Can't wait to read what happens next
841 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2023
Into the Rain: Book 1 Dark Tides Series by Suzanne Cass is an awesome start to this new series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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