One of my favourite writers is Elly Griffiths, so when she announced a podcast about writing, you can bet I was there from the first episode. One of the episodes in the first series introduced me to William Shaw.
Something he said piqued my interest as they talked about their respective books. All his books were set in Dungeness, a place I have lived near (within twenty minutes) all my life. I love the barren landscape and the constant fight between man and wildlife. There was no way I would not read a book set there, especially as it was my favourite, crime.
This is the fifth book in his Alex Cupidi series, so I couldn't wait for it to come out.
Synopsis
The body of a local woman is found washed up on the Folkstone shoreline. Cupidi must find the missing link between a group of wild swimmers, an online dating profile and a slippery killer who feels remarkably close to home. Low tide reveals a mysterious crime in the latest instalment of the D S Cupidi series.
Impressions
I would have preordered this book if I hadn't been gifted from NetGalley. I have read all William Shaw's Cupidi books, including the prequel.
Initially, I was attracted to the books because they were written where I grew up. But that would have only gone so far. I read them now because they are brilliantly written crime novels. The Wild Swimmers is no exception to this; in fact, it is one of the best.
Most books are made on their first lines, and this one sets the scene perfectly for what is to come. 'It came down to a choice between two directions, north or south.' The body is that of a young swimmer. Was she murdered, did she commit suicide, or was this a tragic accident?
This is the first story throughout the book to a well-thought-out ending. Although the clues were throughout the story, I didn't guess the killer. The second story that runs through is the private life of Cupidi's friend, Jill Ferriter. My favourite character, William South, investigates this additional story.
Part Two of the book changed voices, which I believe I am right in saying hasn't happened before in this series. I loved this aspect as it was told from the perspective of South. The prequel to this series, Birdwatcher, is also his story and one of my favourites.
The two stories combine perfectly to bring about a satisfying conclusion. Some would describe this as a cosy crime, but I don't think that does it justice. Shaw relies on his brilliant storytelling and unforgettable characters to tell an enthralling crime story that doesn't need blood and gore to entertain.
If the mark of a good book is one you can't put down, then I didn't stop reading this until 1 am. I read the whole book in one sitting, it is enthralling. Preorder this today if you like crime set in a beautiful landscape with fantastic characters. Until it is released, spend your time reading the first four.
Now, thanks to William Shaw, I need to go and wander in the shingle to look for a concrete man I never knew existed, even though I have lived in the area for nearly 50 years. Read the book, and you will understand.
Two-Sentence Summary
A compelling crime story that will drag you in from the first pages. Whether you have read the whole series or are starting here, The Wild Swimmers will not disappoint.
My husband was out of the water quicker than if there had been sharks