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Dead Water by Ann Cleeves -- a review

 


Dead Water  Shetland Series Book 5 by Ann Cleeves

Journalist Jerry Markham, a Shetlander with an uneven reputation has returned from London to investigate a story linked to the island’s energy industry. He ends up murdered after someone runs his Alpha off the road near the Sullom Voe oil terminal. His body is found by Jimmy Perez’ boss, Procurator Fiscal Rhona Laing, in a racing yoal in Aith Marina.

Willow Reeves enters this story, and the series, as a tall and somewhat awkward yet intelligent and competent Detective Investigator who grew up in the West Hebrides. Reeling from the tragedy on his home island of Fair Isle, Jimmy Perez slowly finds his way back to becoming an integral part of the team. Perez’ life has become more complicated now that he cares for seven-year-old Cassie Hunter. Initially, Willow relies on Sandy Wilson but gradually, and gently, she woos Perez whose understanding of Shetlanders is critical to the investigation.

Two families, the Markhams and the Watts, become foci as the story progresses. Jerry Markham had left Shetland for London after getting Evie Watt pregnant. Jerry’s parents, Peter and Mary Markham, have an upmarket hotel. Not surprisingly, the animosity between Evie’s parents and the Markhams is palpable. Years later, Evie has fallen in love with an older man who has the approval of her religious parents.

Ann Cleeves reveals her insights into depression, jealousy, greed, religiosity, sexuality, and romance as she gradually increases the tension against the backdrop of Shetland fog and the additional tension between those working in the waning oil and gas industry and those pursuing alternate sources of energy for the islanders’ future. As in past novels, her knowledge of birds enriches the experience.

 

Dead Water  Paperback     Audiobook


AMAZON sometimes offers a FREE TRIAL of their Audible product for audiobooks.

I provide more background to the Shetland Series and the Islands in the following post:

Read more about the Shetland Series and the Shetland Islands


I have a paperback version as part of a box set and recommend this volume to those who enjoy slow and thoughtful styles of British crime mysteries and appreciate learning new words that add to the texture of Shetland culture. I usually prefer digital books but found the paperback set less expensive.


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