I've just finished listening to Black water rising and i can't say that i am totally sold by it, its book one of a new series it reads like there is books before it which ket me feeling like i was missing something to bring the characters to full fruitition, the audiobook isn't heped by the choice of narrator Jane Hamlet, her voice wasn't big enough fr this and it was read really slowly , so much so I had to speed it up, I almost gave up on the story but it was redeemed in the latter half of the story but i'm not sure if i would listen to a sequel, maybe i would read the novel instead.

*Black Water Rising* by Sean Watkin is a tense and gripping crime thriller set in Liverpool. The story follows DCI de Silva, a detective grappling with PTSD and the recent loss of her husband, as she is pulled back into action to investigate a series of missing teenage girls. Alongside DS Barclay, who faces his own challenges of proving himself, they must confront their personal demons while racing against time to stop an escalating killer. Watkin masterfully blends emotional depth with suspense, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge. Perfect for fans of complex characters and thrilling mysteries.

This is the first psychological thriller I've read / listened to recently ot maybe even at all that gives more than a plot and storyline from the pov of the detectives or victims. The Black Water Rising gives a lot of detail to the killer and allows you to see from this perspective. Although this at times was most definitely extremely detailed and disturbing, it most definitely adds a different dynamic to this genre, making it stand out from others. Id go as far as to say moments of this book were horror. However, it all fits for the plot and storyline.

This was fantasticly narrated and outwith the monstrous details it was an easy listen. All characters were interesting in their own way and brought something different to this audiobook. The fact that it impacted me as it did shows bot only fantastic writing by the author but also well narrated in that I was invested.

With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ARC in return for an honest review. Best wishes for publication in April 📚🎧🙏🏼❤️

An accomplished debut novel that kept my attention.

At times it was a tad repetitive but this may well resolve as the author continues developing the characters. They were quite well rounded with quite a lot of emphasis on the back stories too.

Be aware the subject matter, is, by nature of the storyline disturbing at times, albeit on the whole necessary.

I shall look forward to the series continuing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC (audio) which was very much appreciated.

The first half of the book is fairly slow paced. The focus is more on the development of the two main characters rather than the crimes they are trying to solve. DCI de Silva and DS Barclay are both interesting with great back stories and I'm sure we'll hear more in future books.. The pace picks up considerably in the second half of the book and I really started to enjoy it. I love the setting of Liverpool, which I know a little having lived there for 6 months a few years ago, and the author described the area well. The book is a little gruesome in places which was right up my street, and the identity of the killer came as a surprise to me. I look forward to the next in the series.

I wasn't sure about the narrator at first, but she grew on me. I think I'd have liked someone with a broader Scouse accent.

I really enjoyed this book.

The story was centred around the hunt for a serial killer who preys on young girls.

I enjoyed the two main characters and felt there was lots of depth into which the series will probably further delve as it continues.

I felt the book paced well, however it was the age old tale of abused becomes the abuser, with an extra twist thrown in at the end.

A bit predictable, but well written and really enjoyable.

I listened to the audio book and thought the narration was spot on, including the scouse accent.

Loved the mystery and loved the characters, including the dislikeable ones, because, just as De Silva could be irritating at times, it all fit the story well.

The narrator did an excellent job but was perhaps not the best fit for the book.

This was absolutely excellent. However I have to be really honest and say that while it may seem obvious. It’s graphic, and really quite unsettling. I’d caution triggers warnings for graphic suicide references, Sexual violence, rape, brutality and murder. We also get insight into the killers thoughts which made me want to crawl out of my own skin.

The storyline is fabulous. The writing is excellent and I loved the scouse accent throughout. I’d be really keen to read further instalments in the series.

Distressing. Disturbing but fantastic. An amazing debut.

The narration was brilliant.

Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

A fabulous debut, introducing some complex and fascinating characters in DCI Da Silva and DS Barclay.

Three teenage girls are murdered and dumped on the banks of the River Mersey, There are some very gruesome descriptions, brilliantly written but also very disturbing. The perp is revealed relatively early, but don't be fooled, there is plenty more to come and some shocking twists that I really wasn't expecting.

I thought the split between the murder investigation and the introduction of new characters, their relationships and their personal lives was really well balanced and with some unresolved matters, I am very much looking forward to book 2 in this series.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Jane Hamlet, did an excellent job of voicing so many different characters effectively and bringing them to life.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sean Watkin and Bolinda for an ARC in return for an honest review.