Against the Tide

 

Against the Tide by G. D. Wright
6/18/26; 416 pages
Avon Books 
DS Sue Willmott #3 

Against the Tide by G. D. Wright is a very highly recommended, heartbreaking, investigative thriller/domestic drama. This is the third book in the series featuring DS Sue Willmott but it can be read as a standalone novel.

DC Vinny Robson already has his hands full between work and his mother Mary's dementia so when an elderly couple are violently murdered in Beachbrook, it adds even more stress as the police investigate. The police are already busy with a series of home burglaries plaguing the town. Working along with DS Sue Wilmott and the team, everyone is now seeking clues concerning the murder victims and potential suspects. In this case Vinny acts as the Family Liaison Officer to Natalie, the  daughter of two murder victims and a therapist, while also seeking any information from their past that might point to the perpetrators. As Vinny's mom worsens she says something that shakes him to the core and has him looking into his own past while still investigating the murders.

The well-written, complicated, compelling, and emotionally charged narrative alternates between the points-of-view of Vinny, Sue, some chapters from Natalie, and excerpts from a dairy. Vinny doesn't discover the dairy until later in the plot but readers will know his mother wrote it, which make the plot even more complex and intense. The narrative is well-plotted and full of new discoveries, twists and devastating revelations. There is a whole lot going on in this plot and you will be glued to the pages, reading as fast as you can to see what happens or is revealed next, even as it all breaks your heart for those involved. 

Along with an excellent mystery and investigation, all the characters are portrayed as emotionally realistic, fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The characters come to life as realistic individuals, dealing with doubts and personal struggles, all presented along with plenty of emotionally charged situations. The facts and details of the investigation are dark and difficult, but the raw emotional turmoil of those experiencing the events in the novel is captured realistically. 

While reading you will be able to try and piece together clues and many of the twists at the end will shock and surprise many readers. I was able to predict parts of the final denouement and piece together many of the clues but that didn't lessened the impact of the ending. I haven't read the previous two novel by G.D. Ward, (After the Storm and Into the Fire) but based on the quality of the writing and impact of Against the Tide, they are going on my TBR list asap.

Against the Tide is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys complex, detailed investigative thrillers/domestic dramas. Thanks to Avon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.