DCI de Silva Crime Thrillers Series

Some secrets are best left buried.


The emotional fallout from their last case has left DCI de Silva and DS Barclay’s lives in tatters. Barclay’s marriage has failed and de Silva is still haunted by the loss of her husband and wondering whether she ever really knew him.

When the National Crime Agency takes over their investigation, the duo are reassigned to a cold case. A dismembered body found in Formby woods. Hidden for decades. And then, another body is discovered.

As they dig deeper into the identities of the victims, they uncover a tangled web of awful crimes. And they learn that they can’t trust anyone – even those closest to them.

A dark and gritty crime thriller set in Liverpool, perfect for fans of Luca Veste, M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours’ VAL McDERMIDTime is running out to catch a killer

Teenage girls are going missing across Liverpool. When the body of the third victim is discovered on the banks of the Mersey, the search for the culprit intensifies, and DCI de Silva is called back to work.

Still reeling from the recent suicide of her husband and dragged down by the undertow of PTSD, de Silva has been struggling in self-imposed exile. In her fragile state, is she ready to win in a race against the clock?

This case should have been DS Barclay’s opportunity to finally show himself to be more than what everybody assumes an exercise in diversity, a gay man employed to tick boxes.

De Silva and Barclay must exorcise their own demons to stop more victims suffering, all while dealing with a traumatised and escalating killer, who is hellbent on finding somebody from their past.

A tense and gripping crime thriller set in Liverpool. Perfect for fans of M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

Praise for Black Water Rising

‘Fascinating characters, shocking crimes and a terrifying and atmospheric finale. Unmissable!’ Heather Critchlow

‘Dark, intense, twisty, and utterly compelling! A solid and addictive mystery’

‘I am blown away! An exciting, thrilling, twisted and chilling read that packs a punch and then some. THE author to watch out for’

‘I loved this book, especially as it was set in Liverpool so unique! I look forward to reading more by this author’

‘I devoured this it was full of twists and turns that made me quickly turn the pages. This author is definitely one to watch’