This is the third book in the excellent series featuring DS Sue Willmott and, to get the very best out of her, other series characters, and the series itself, I do recommend you read the previous two books first. In this book we follow DC Vinny Robson as he investigates the violent death of an elderly couple in their own home. It's a bit close to home for him as he is juggling the case with also visiting his elderly mother Mary who is suffering from dementia and is receiving end of life care in a home. As well as following Vinny we also hear from the couple's daughter Natalie and DS Willmott herself. We also meet Vinny's Aunty Mags and her son, his surrogate brother, Jack. And, peppered throughout are excerpts from Mary's diary... As well as the murder, the police are also trying to solve a spate of burglaries, and initially the couple's death was linked to these. But as the case progresses, it becomes clear that there is something really dark going on... Oh my days, this book was harrowing. Oh Vinny... having to act as FLO to Natalie as well as everything else going on in your life, and then to have it all implode... phew... talk about all the emotions... And then when he discovers the diaries and catches up to what we, as readers, already know... wow... But, all that said, it never gets too dark. I never felt overwhelmed, Nor did I feel that the author was writing over the top for effect. Some of the topics contained herein are very emotive but the author handles them very sensitively. So many dark secrets and lies. With twists and turns, shocks and surprises, I really gave up trying to second guess quite early on as I realised that this story was one best left for the author to expose, rather than me to guess ahead. And boy was that the right decision as I was well rewarded by THE best ending I have read in time. All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a very impressive series. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for next time.

I really loved this book, it's so well crafted and tightly plotted, as well as being a rollercoaster of emotions. DC Vinny Robinson is a complex, emotional character and expertly described in a way that had me going through all the emotions with him. There are twists, tension and some jaw dropping moments right up to the last page and the cliffhanger ending. Thank you to the author for such a brilliant read

Against the Tide is a fast paced well plotted police procedural that is gripping from start to finish. The pace is fast, the characters are so authenitc and you are hooked from the very first page. The book has many twists and turns just like a country road that will have your pulse racing. I was yelling at the book at one point. There is a relentless mix of secrets, lies . Everyone is a suspect and trying to guess is fruitless. This was my first book of the series but I have certainly priortized the first two books. Grab your copy and buckle up. Be warned you wont be able to put it down.