DCI de Silva Crime Thrillers Series

BLACK WATER RISING SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 McDERMID DEBUT AWARD

‘Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours’ Val McDermid

Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

A young girl is found dead on Southport Pier. Less than an hour later, a patient who recently vanished from a secure mental health facility is discovered in the sand and February snow.

DCI de Silva and DS Barclay are back, but they find themselves pulled back into an all-too familiar nightmare. Is this a tragic series of coincidences, or is it inextricably linked to a conspiracy they once thought contained?

As the snow falls, the duo must navigate a trail that is rapidly growing cold. But when the case hits devastatingly close to home, de Silva and Barclay realise the truth will demand a price neither of them is prepared to pay.

In a heart-pounding race against an unknown enemy, they are headed for a confrontation that will change everything.

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

Praise for Sean Watkin

‘A white-knuckle crescendo that had me frantically turning the pages. It cements Sean Watkin as one of the most compelling, talented, and authentic northern crime writers out there.’ Rob Parker

‘Fascinating characters and shocking crimes… Unmissable!’ Heather Critchlow on Black Water Rising

‘A thrilling good read.’ Reader review.

‘An absolute cracker! A gripping investigation, brilliant characters and another fantastic addition to the series. Definitely one of my favourites.’ Reader review.

‘A novel with huge scope, a large cast of characters and a variety of interconnected storylines. It’s a great read.’ Reader review.

‘5 stars. I read it in 2 days and loved it!’ Reader review.

‘I absolutely LOVE this series and this one didn’t shy away from some incredibly hard hitting topics. I may have let out a small yelp when it ended…’ Reader review.

BLACK WATER RISING SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 McDERMID DEBUT AWARD


‘Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours’ Val McDermid
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, perfect for fans of Luca Veste, M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

BLACK WATER RISING SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 McDERMID DEBUT AWARD


‘Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours’ Val McDermid
Time 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 shortlisted for the 2025 McDermid Debut Award. 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’