Kept me guessing with rich characters and atmosphere

5 stars

As far as murder mysteries go, The Drowning Place ranks high with me. Set in the Peak District National Park, it has an ominous, dark feel about it amplified by the sense of tragedy that still shrouds Edenscar 17 years after a school bus accident killed all but one boy. That boy, Joe Ashe, has grown and is now Detective Sergent though forever haunted by the disaster. It gives him an unusual standing within the village as many keep him at a distance, unnerved by him, whilst others see him as a link to their departed loved ones. There's a quiet strength in Joe and a sense of unprocessed trauma. He is joined by new boss DI Laurie Bower who has recently relocated so she and her husband can care for her ailing father-in-law. Between the two of them there's a lot to unpack but they bump along together nicely. Both sensible and respectful of each other but will to take the mickey, when appropriate. 

The atmosphere is thick and chewy in The Drowning Place, which makes me giddy. I would have been very happy for this book to roll on unceasingly as the sense of place and calm yet dark foreboding ticked all my boxes. Hoping it's the start to a new series as these characters living in this location feels rich with future possibilities. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Hilary but definitely not the last. Her writing style suits me right down to my cotton socks and I am most anxious for more.