Deep waters are the third story in the Jagged shores series set in the small fishing town of Nyemouth on the north easter coast of England.
This is our third visit to the fishing town. We join Christian a reporter and aspiring author, who has come to the small coastal town to seek inspiration for his next suspense / thriller novel. He certainly gets inspiration, and a whole lot more, not only does he find romance in the tour boat captain but is drawn into a murder scene that turns into two and more.
The Romance between Christian and Harry, is almost instant attraction but events and their individual lives are set against them. They both initially think their feelings for each other, may be more a reaction to what they have witnessed and experienced on the first day of Christian visit. I really liked the chemistry between them and the fact they both had reservations as to whether they should pursue a romance, but I am so pleased they did.
I liked the way that the author twisted the age gap theme and that Harry with his harsh life as a fisherman/boat tour and lifeguard, puts him on an equal footing to Christian’s maturity.
The author is a master of slowly building the danger and suspense in each of the series stories. There are one or two red herrings, which I must admit caught me out, in fact one of my suspects, becomes a victim. I am usually good at guessing who done it in thrillers.
As with the previous books the characters are strong and well developed, with their unique personalities, and this goes for the minor characters too. You really feel like you know them all as though you yourself have lived in the small town for years.
The descriptive writing is superb and is probably my favourite aspect of the whole series and the author’s writing style.
Why? I hear you asking.
Simply put, he captures the feel of the small fishing town. From the cobbled and ragged stone streets and buildings to the rugged cliffs, Even the way he shows the thick fog in the story is so real. Then when we get to the stormy seas. I really felt like I was there struggling to keep standing and not being swept away by the thrashing waves and cutting gales. This is especially evident in the climactic scenes.
Things I liked:
The Romance
The Characters
Danger
Descriptive environments and places
And nail-biting suspense. I must read one more page syndrome.
Things I did not like so much:
The book ended.
I do not know if there will be a book 4 and if there is, I will have to wait for it’s release.
My first read of 2023 and it is highly likely to be in my top 5 at the end of the year.
