Ann Cleeves is a bestselling author of 35 novels published worldwide, and many of her books have been adapted for the screen. DCI Vera Stanhope once again features in this latest book, a character who also appears in the TV series.
In this story, a group of old friends meet to enjoy a weekend on Holy Island, a reunion they have had every five years since they first met as a teenager fifty years ago. They spend their time reminiscing about life, and they remember Isobel, the young woman who lost her life to the rising waters at the first reunion.
There is Philip, who has become a priest. Annie, who runs a café. And Rick, a celebrity, but he has been sacked from his TV show after allegations of misconduct. Louisa has been married to Ken for decades, but now he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Their weekend is progressing as it always does, a time to bond with old friends – but everything changes when Rick is found hanged in the morning, and it isn’t the suicide they first thought – this is murder, and one of them might be the killer.
DCI Vera Stanhope and her team secure the crime scene and begin interviewing the friends, who are now suspects. But as Vera uncovers long-held secrets, it seems that current events might link to Isobel’s death all those decades ago, and soon they are in more danger than they could have ever thought possible.
The Rising Tide is exceptionally well done. It has a moody, atmospheric setting and a cast of characters with complicated pasts so that suspicion goes from one to another before Vera finally uncovers the truth. A fabulous multi-layered whodunnit with characters who are refreshingly well-rounded, complex and compelling.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Macmillan Publishers