The sea has always been a place of solace for Ella Hampton, but not on the day she makes a mayday call from a yacht on the Hauraki Gulf, saying her husband has been lost overboard during a jibe manoeuvre. She seems genuinely distressed and in shock. A body identified as Dean Hampton washes ashore with a gash to the head and other injuries a little later. The coroner ruled it was an accident, but was it really?
Amy Fagin, Dean’s sister, is convinced Ella isn’t telling the truth about what happened. There are just too many things that don’t add up – although Amy admits she is distracted when dealing with her recent diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s disease. But she is not going to let this life-changing news from investigating the truth of her brother’s death. Thankfully, Frank Smythe from the Maritime Police Unit is willing to investigate the case further, but the more the pair uncover, the more confusing everything becomes.
The Jibe is outstanding! It’s a pacey police procedural with a twist I didn’t see coming. It’s also a sympathetic account of someone with young-onset Parkinson’s disease and her determination to make the most of her life despite the confronting diagnosis. This is an excellent novel and one I’d recommend to all for its excellent characters and well-constructed, multi-layered plot.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Self Published