This seriously chilling crime novel will not be one you forget, with it’s gripping plot and likeable lead detective.
THREE MISTAKES. TWO MURDERS. ONE MORE VICTIM TO GO . . .Annabelle has come to the Scottish Highlands to escape. But as she speeds along a deserted mountain road, she is suddenly forced to swerve. The next thing she remembers is waking up in a dark, damp room. A voice from the corner of the room says ‘The Doctor will be here soon’.
Scott is camping alone in the Scottish woodlands when he hears a scream. He starts to run in fear of his life. Scott is never seen again.
Meanwhile DI Monica Kennedy has been called to her first Serious Crimes case in six months – a dismembered body has been discovered, abandoned in a dam. Days later, when another victim surfaces, Monica knows she is on the hunt for a ruthless killer.
But as she begins to close in on the murderer, her own dark past isn’t far behind …
Seriously, I cannot emphasise enough how deliciously creepy this is! This plot took a turn that I was certainly not expecting and it honestly sent shivers down my spine at times. Halliday’s books are certainly different to any other police series I’ve read in a while and you definitely won’t forget them in a hurry. The reader feels such horror and empathy for Annabelle that you can’t tear your eyes from the page until you know what’s happening. It’s gripping, spine-tingling and a truly original plot.
Monica is again a brilliant character and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her determination gains the support of the reader the whole way through and she’s a fantastic and engaging character. I was urging her on the whole way through, knowing she would get there but feeling increasingly concerned for Annabelle’s fate – the fact that I couldn’t put this down demonstrates Halliday’s brilliant writing.
As the plot builds it gets more and more creepy and while I thought Halliday’s first book in this series was different, this one certainly is. It’s not necessarily one for the faint-hearted but I loved it. The writing truly is excellent and at times could send a shiver down my spine. Each character is well thought out and adds something to the story – they all have a purpose whether it’s contributing to the creepiness or helping Monica get to the heart of Annabelle’s disappearance.
I enjoyed every second of this and would highly recommend for those of you that want a truly gritty and gripping detective series. If you haven’t read the first one I would highly recommend it but if not you will still definitely enjoy this one!
Dark Waters
G. R. Halliday
Harvill Secker, 16th July 2020
