The Dark Water

Even the darkest of villains love their mother. Don’t they? This is a trilogy that explores a multitude of family dynamics between siblings, couples and generations, and the far-reaching effects of dysfunctionality between them.

Seven drownings. Three months. Who is to blame? Lauren is fed up with covering local small-town news in Northern England. The bride-to-be and mother-of-one dreams of recognition and accolades as a national journalist. Yet, the dark and disturbing reporting opportunity that lands on her doorstep is one she would never have invited. When it is thrust on her, she is duty bound, both professionally and personally to investigate. Lauren is the voice for the women whose lives have been cut short in the river Alder.

A year has passed since tragedy ripped through the Yorkshire town of Alderton, in which the River Alder claimed the lives of eight women in separate incidents. Detective Chief Inspector Ingham took the guilt to his own watery grave, but as Drowned Voices reveals, the guilt was not solely his to bear. Cleared of all involvement, Sergeant Will Potts plans for a renewed way of life with his wife Eva. But as more drownings occur and the town resumes its panic, it seems that the ripple effect of being a victim is more far-reaching than first suspected.

When Heidi hears the news that a prisoner has escaped, she instinctively knows who it is, even before the name is revealed. Twelve years have elapsed since her own escape, time enough for her family to move, recover, and start to live again.