Hello hello and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Chris McDonald’s latest crime fiction work, Dead In The Water. This is the second in the Stonebridge series, but is very much readable without having read the previous book. The only thing we perhaps miss out on in doing so – other than the book itself ! – is the development in the relationship between the two pain leads, all of which we can see continue to grow in this second novel. Thank you to Red Dog Press for providing me with an e-copy of the book.
Synopsis
The Stonebridge Regatta is looming. The town’s annual face-off against neighbouring Meadowfield is usually a weekend filled with sunshine, laughter and camaraderie.
This year is different.
A week before the race, the body of Stonebridge team captain Matthew Henderson is found dead in the water. The police file his passing as a tragic accident however, his grieving widow disagrees and suspects foul play is involved. She enlists the help of Adam and Colin, the town’s amateur (self-proclaimed) private detectives to unearth the truth.
Did Matthew simply slip and fall into the water, or is there more to his death below the surface?
Review
I used to row, so along with enjoying a good mystery, I was twice as interested with the premise of this book. I know just how competitive rowing competitions can get, and although no one ever died on my watch (!), they certainly can become heated in the build up to any big challenge.
I found this book to be a brilliant, comfy crime fiction novel, easy to get lost in, and just as easy to devote your attentions to. Between the well crafted characters and their amusing antics, the book struck the perfect note between ‘murder mystery’ and ‘easy read’. Fast paced and with a lot of action packed in, the story wove just like the river it focuses on, and it was delightful to be swept along by it.
It’s easy to think of numerous people I would recommend this book, and author, to, and I find that is always one of the best signs of an enjoyable read.
About The Author
Originally hailing from the north coast of Northern Ireland and now residing in South Manchester, Chris McDonald has always been a reader. At primary school, The Hardy Boys inspired his love of adventure before his reading world was opened up by Chuck Palahniuk and the gritty world of crime. A Wash of Black is his first attempt at writing a book. He came up with the initial idea whilst feeding his baby in the middle of the night, which may not be the best thing to admit, considering the content. He is a fan of 5-a-side football, heavy metal and dogs. Whispers in the Dark is the second instalment in the DI Erika Piper series, and Chris is currently working on his latest series, The Stonebridge Mysteries, published by Red Dog Press in 2021.
Book Links
GoodReads
Amazon UK
Red Dog Shop
My thanks again to Red Dog Press for letting me join in on this exciting tour. Be sure to follow along with the schedule above on social media for further posts on the book.
And On She Reads 