Black Water Rising

A tense and gripping Liverpool crime thriller

The first in a crime series by debut author Sean Watkin featuring DCI de Silva and DS Barclay, trying to catch a serial killer targeting teenage girls in Liverpool.

Teenage girls are going missing across Liverpool. When the body of the third victim is discovered on the banks of the Mersey, the search for the culprit intensifies, and DCI de Silva is called back to work.

Still reeling from the recent suicide of her husband and dragged down by the undertow of PTSD, de Silva has been struggling in self-imposed exile. In her fragile state, is she ready to win in a race against the clock?

This case should have been DS Barclay's opportunity to finally show himself to be more than what everybody assumes an exercise in diversity, a gay man employed to tick boxes.

De Silva and Barclay must exorcise their own demons to stop more victims suffering, all while dealing with a traumatised and escalating killer, who is hellbent on finding somebody from their past.

A tense and gripping crime thriller set in Liverpool shortlisted for the 2025 McDermid Debut Award. Perfect for fans of M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

'Fascinating characters, shocking crimes and a terrifying and atmospheric finale. Unmissable!' Heather Critchlow

'Dark, intense, twisty, and utterly compelling! A solid and addictive mystery'

'I am blown away! An exciting, thrilling, twisted and chilling read that packs a punch and then some. THE author to watch out for'

'I loved this book, especially as it was set in Liverpool so unique! I look forward to reading more by this author'

'I devoured this it was full of twists and turns that made me quickly turn the pages. This author is definitely one to watch'

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