She Treads Softly: The Deep End

Saturday, November 1, 2025

The Deep End

The Deep End by Nick Louth
11/13/25; 324 pages
Canelo Crime
DI Jan Talantire #4

The Deep End by Nick Louth is a highly recommended procedural/crime thriller and the fourth book in the series set in Devon featuring DI Jan Talantire. Although this could be read as a standalone novel, there is a major part of the plot that is a direct continuation of a story line started earlier in the series. The series includes: The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle, The Last Ride, and The Dark Edge.

On Boxing Day a body wearing a wet suit is found under Teignmouth Pier. DI Jan Talantire is assigned the case after the post-mortem shows heavy metal poisoning and the investigation quickly becomes complicated. At the same time Talantire's sexual harassment case against Commander Brent West is on going and she uncovers additional information. She continues to face roadblocks as West's influence is wide spread.

As expected, this is a well-written, expertly plotted addition to the series. The complicated investigation and subplots have plenty new discoveries made along the way. It is satisfying that Talantire finally sees vindication this time out, but she also faces a life or death situation. Talantire's character development is well established by this addition to the series. She is portrayed as a tough, intelligent and compelling character with strengths and flaws.

The Deep End will best be appreciated by readers who enjoy procedurals and who have read the previous books in the series. Thanks to Canelo Crime for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.