Book 5 in the DS Alexandra Cupidi Investigations series and reads well as a stand alone but always useful to have read the previous books for context. It’s been a long wait! A wild swimmer is found, on the Kent coast drowned, by Alex’s daughter Zoe and Alex doesn’t think it’s accidental. Told in dual POV’s by Alex and Bill this is a well written and beautifully descriptive police procedural. I feel like I know the areas mentioned in the books even though I’ve never been there.

Briefly, the dead woman’s boyfriend Malcolm has disappeared and cannot be traced. Meanwhile Alex’s colleague Jill has received a startling text from Ford Prison and because Alex is caught up in the drowning Jill asks retired PC Bill South for help. He was involved in the original case. Alex has to follow police procedures but because Jill knew the drowned person she is off the case so, she, with Bill, starts their own search.

Bit by bit the investigations come together but not before both Alex and Bill find themselves in serious danger. A well paced novel with great characters and some good twists and turns that kept me on my toes. A very clever and entertaining thriller with two storylines that become neatly intertwined with shocking consequences. Great read.

Well... it's about time we had another book in this series and, boy, was it worth the three year wait! Although, that said, I did have his other books to keep me going - the ones he writes under GW Shaw. Which are also excellent reads.
Going back to Alex Cupidi - and usual series rules apply - I know I say that with all series, but there are some which definitely benefit from this. Character backstory and development and all that jazz. And this one definitely fits that category.
We start with Alex getting a call about a body on the beach. She is not convinced so allows her daughter Zoe to accompany her. She is in a bit of a world of her own so doesn't hear Zoe until she has been shouting a while, having actually found the body. A body which turns out to be Mimi Green, a regular wild swimmer. Further investigation reveal her to be a strong swimmer who doesn't usually go out alone, especially in dodgy weather. Alex therefore isn't convinced it is just an accident...
If that wasn't enough to get your juices flowing, we also have another intriguing investigation. It appears that Jill Ferriter has received a letter from her father. Well, one from a man claiming to be. And it that wasn't strange enough, he is currently in prison, and has been for the past twenty years, for two brutal murders. Jill tries to talk to Alex but she has her hands full with Mimi's death so she turns instead to Bill South to assist her.
Oh my days. I have really missed the characters in this book. You know when you don't actually realise you have missed someone until you reconnect with them and get that warm fuzzy feeling and it's like the years apart have meant nothing... yeah... that!
And it was more than wonderful to have Bill back front and centre with his own, absolutely gripping investigation. It's a cold case so he has to dig back to the past. Reconnecting with an old friend to get Jill the answers she needs and deserves.
The wild swimming case was just as intriguing and kept my attention nicely as it progressed, delivery twist after shock as Alex peeled back the layers until the truth was finally laid bare.
And the setting, which is really kinda a character in its own right delivered once again. I am usually not a fan of over-description in a book, I find it slows my reading down too much and I do admit to being a bit impatient, but in this case, the setting is integral to the case and so is well worthy and deserved of the wonderful description the author delivers. Other than that, the writing is tight and with no superfluous waffle, allows the pace to remain high and the story to get on with itself very well indeed. Ramping up until delivering the final denouement, which left me wholly satisfied.
In fact the only downside of the book was realising that I had finished and so would have to say goodbye to the characters once again. Hopefully it won't be three years until we meet again...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Did not realise that this was a book in a series but I found it ok as a stand-alone. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I enjoyed the flow of the writing. I would definitely read the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Alex is asked to go and find the body of a reported drowned swimmer. Thinking it's a hoax, she takes Zoe with her and unfortunately Zoe is the one that finds the body of a woman. At the same time Hill wants to speak to Alex about her long lost father who has been in touch. As usual things are a lot more complicated than they seem and because she doesn't get the opportunity to ask Alex before Alex gets embroiled in a murder case, she asks Bill to help her. In turn this puts Bill in a vulnerable place and as time does on, things take a dangerous turn for everyone involved.
A real page turner of a book.

It's good to have Alex Cupidi back after William Shaw's diversion into the thriller. His police procedurals are always a joy and DS Cupidi is an excellent lead. Dungeness provides an ominous backdrop and the plotting is as good as ever. The only slight blemish for me was the way in which the two separate plot threads felt a little too separate.

Really struggled reading this, got to 25% in and had to stop. I will not be reviewing this book on any social media for the author as it was not for me

The Wild Swimmers is an exceptionally good police crime thriller from William Shaw featuring D S Alexandra Cupidi.

The book is well written and moves along at a good pace with well sketched out characters both main and supporting.

There are two main plot lines which are skilfully woven and do not confuse or detract from one another.

This series continues to improve with every further novel despite all of the books being of an exceedingly high standard which is huge credit to an excellent author.

So if you like crime fiction this is most definitely one for you.

A welcome return for DS Alexandra Cupidi, The Wild Swimmers sees her colleague Jill Ferriter and neighbour Bill South embroiled in a decades-old case that may be linked to Jill's estranged father, while Cupidi investigates the death of a swimmer off the Kent coast. As always, the location is the real draw here - the marshes and windswept beaches of Romney, Dungeness and Hythe are almost another character in the series - and is one of the key ingredients that makes me recommend the series to those who love the Ruth Galloway novels.

The action moves apace and tension mounts as Cupidi's daughter is drawn into the investigation and Bill is the victim of an attempted drowning. If I had one criticism, it's that the book sometimes takes meandering detours which feel like they should become more than they do - reminisces of the second summer of love, when ravers descended on the marshes in the early 1990s, felt like a promising and fascinating diversion but after a couple of mentions, it seemed to just peter out as a plotline.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 - recommended for fans of Elly Griffiths, Sarah Ward or Peter May.

This story starts with DS Cupidi taking her daughter Zoë with her when she goes on a job to check on a body in the dunes nearby. As there is a piece of sculpture there which is a body, Alex is sure that this will simply be a the usual false alarm that they get from time to time. However it is Zoë that finds an actual dead body. Both of them are left very unsettled by this. As the person was a wild swimmer Zoë is not at all happy when her mother decides to join the group of wild swimmers while investigating the case.

In addition to this thread Bill South has been talking to Jill Ferriter about the man who claims to be Jill's father. He is not that happy about it, preferring peace and quiet these days, however with Alex (Jill's normal confidante) occupied he has little choice. The man who is claiming to be Jill's father is a known career criminal currently in jail for murder. Again reluctantly Bill agrees to find out more.

The book follows these two different threads by initially taking Alex's side of the story and then changing to see Bill's investigations through his eyes. It's fair to say that I am a fan of this series and have read and enjoyed the previous books. There are other good crime novels out there however I do really like the main characters in this series. Alex is very good and here interactions with Zoë (& vice versa) and good. I really like Zoë 's development as a character through this series. Bill, ex cop who has served time in prison - do read book 0 in the series - is also an excellent character for me. Put the three of them together and I will definitely continue reading this series - I would really prefer none of them to be sidelined!

The writing has a good pace and the story is developed well - simply makes for good reading for me. 4.5/5

Cleverly constructed around two storylines, this fifth instalment doesn't disappoint. The first mystery centres around the drowning of a wild swimmer, the second one digs deep into the past of one of the other protagonists. It is unnecessary to explain the plots, just know that they will keep you guessing and only towards the very end do you get some idea as to what is going on. One of this series strengths is its description of the landscape and the way in which it becomes part of the story. If you have read the other ones, you will probably enjoy it more because you have a better idea of how the chatacters relate to one another. A great read for traditional crime fiction fans.

The Wild Swimmers is the fifth book in this wonderful and imaginative series set around Dungeness and Kent.
Between finishing The Trawlerman, number four and starting this one, I had the pleasure of reading a short story set within this series setting, “Prospect Cottage” by William Shaw. His affinity with this area and creative ability to capture its allure and fascination was demonstrated in this short story.

The Wild Swimmers is further evidence of Shaw’s talent and storytelling skill set. I was drawn into the mystery from the very beginning. No shivering bather slowly letting the water creep up one’s costume; more the run, skip, hurdle the waves to dive (belly flop) into the sea.

A great title and an activity that has increasing interest in groups who have found joy, support and companionship in regularly venturing into open water.

This author mixes his stories with varied plots in often fresh and insightful ways. Faithful to his characters he pushes them to their limits and brings the best out of them.

This is a DS Alexandra Cupidi series in essence but the role played here by Bill South is like a melodious group of violins emerging from the orchestra and leading the symphony. A tune you expected but not from the string section.

Alex has her own investigation to pursue, Bill has this unofficial nose around into an old case as well here.

I loved this cameo and the joy it brings Bill to have such an active role is clear to see. His efforts unfold in surprising ways and the charm of the man is evident. He is a favourite character of mine and his journey here makes this a worthwhile read alone.

The author has the ability to dip into modern culture and contemporary issues to cement his writing as relevant and up to date. Wild swimming aside the drug scene is again dealt with convincingly and police corruption once more touched upon.

But it is the humanity and frailty of individuals that stand out for me and undoubtedly these qualities display the hand of this fine and under appreciated writer.

An absolutely wonderful read. I have loved all of William Shaw's novels and this one doesn't disappoint. It was a joy catching up with Alex, Jill, Zoe and Bill once again. Like all the previous novels, this one perfectly captures the magical, mystical atmosphere of beautiful Dungeness. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

This is the fifth book in the wonderful series featuring DS Alex Cupidi. There are two separate storylines and both are totally gripping. As with all the previous books, it is the characters that make these such an enjoyable read. Bill, in particular, is excellently done. This is a really fast-paced read and highly recommended.

Another compelling installment in one of my favourite crime series. The author combines a truly gripping crime plot with genuine care for his characters, leading to an immersive and rewarding read. I hope this isn't the last we have heard of Alex, Bill and especially Zoe.

I am a great fan of William Shaw's books and this latest read in the Alex Cupidi series is another excellent read. The characterisation is strong in this multi-layered plot and the descriptive passages always transport me right to the Kent coast. I really like Bill and I look forward to seeing where his character goes next in his relationship with Alex. Zoe is coming into herself in this episode and I would like to see more of her. Everything is neatly wrapped up at the end, with a tiny cliffhanger to keep me intrigued for the next in the series! I highly recommend the series to lovers of crime thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I can't quite explain it but there's something deeply comforting when you pick up a William Shaw DS Alex Cupidi book. I've read them all and I love the characters. They feel so real they could almost be my friends. I'm particularly pleased we hear from Bill South in this story. William Shaw recently wrote an article about having Aphantasia, which means he has little or no mental imagery in his head. You wouldn't think that though from his wonderful descriptions that conjure up movie scenes in my mind.

After taking time out to deal with PTSD, DS Alex Cupidi is about to start back at work. Since she lives closest to a reported sighting of a body in the sea, she's asked to go and look. Taking her nineteen-year-old daughter Zoe with her, Alex goes one way and Zoe goes the other. Unfortunately it's Zoe who finds a female dead swimmer in the water. It's the start of a perplexing manhunt as the police attempt to find the ex-boyfriend of the victim.

In the past, Alex has gone out all guns blazing in hunting down suspects but after her own traumatic experiences and now Zoe's, we have a more mindful Alex this time. Having said that, there are times when she misreads the signs and puts herself in danger unwittingly! But overall, we have a calmer, more settled Alex. And I really hope there's more to come.

I have been a fan of William Shaw since I read The Birdwatcher and this novel.is fifth in the detective Cupidi series. The characters are well rounded and the bleak landscape plays a powerful, integral part in the weaving of the narrative. There are two stories, both of which play out to a satisfying conclusion. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This is the latest in a favourite crime series by William Shaw, set in the beautiful and atmospheric location of Dungeness and the Kent coast, featuring DS Alex Cupidi. To my delight, this sees a bigger role for ex-copper and birdwatcher, Bill South, who I have a real soft spot for, he gets dragged reluctantly into an old cold case by Jill Ferriter, who on learning who her father is, finds herself mired in a emotional quagmire, leaving her with a desperate desire to know more about him. However, Bill, who connects with an old and familiar figure, the now dying ex-DI Tart, and his wife, Jenn, soon feels a welcome sense of comfort to once again be investigating, but it is to lead him into deeply dangerous waters.

Jill's messy and chaotic private life ensures she cannot communicate with her close friend and colleague, Alex. Alex is to rue her decision to have Zoe accompany her when a body is reported to be on the beach, she thinks it's a false alarm, only to have a traumatised daughter on her hands, after Zoe comes across the drowned dead body of Mimi Greene. The victim is one of a group of regular wild swimmers, women that include poet Isobel, married to Victor, the young gay Rose with her mental health issues, and the bored but wealthy Kimaya. Under her boss, DI Toby McAdam, Alex works with PC Charlie Reed, on a complex case, that includes the frustrations of trying to locate Mimi's cheating ex-boyfriend, Malcolm.

Once again Shaw showcases here his ability to write 2 well plotted and twisted mysteries, both of which I was gripped by, especially with their escalating levels of tension and suspense. There is a strong cast of familiar characters who generate a great sense of comfort as I become reacquainted with their lives. What I am hoping is that the author continues with giving a greater role to Bill, it would be such a waste if he is to revert to occupying a minor role. If you are a crime and mystery fan, I would strongly urge to try this wonderful series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I used to live on Romney Marsh and, as a pretentious teen, would cycle to Dungeness to write horrifically bad poetry in the shadow of the nuclear power station. So I get a particular joy out of the geography of Shaw's Cupidi books as the characters travel through villages and towns I once called home. And the Marsh is the perfect setting for a series, atmospheric, eerie, the sea always looking to reclaim its land.

DCI Alexandra Cupidi has recovered from the traumatic events of the last book and has returned to work, to find herself immediately investigating a murder case that is far too close to home, her daughter Zoe discovering the body. To make matters worse, her sidekick and friend Jill has a possible connection to the case and therefore can't communicate with the investigating team until it's solved. This is also a blow for Jill who has discovered some disturbing personal news and really needs her friend right now. Instead she turns to Alex's neighbou Bill, a disgraced former PC who agrees to help her. Doing so reawakens some of his old policing instincts, but also long buried secrets that some people will do anything keep buried...

The charm in Shaw's series lies in the clever plotting, the beautifully realised settings and a great cast of characters who I look forward to meeting in every new book. The Wild Swimmers is a taut, twisty and unputtdownable new installment. Highly recommended.

I always enjoy William Shaw's work and have been eagerly anticipating this next one in the Alex Cupidi series. While every book has a stand alone plot its also great to catch up with the cast of characters and see how their lives are developing. In this book as well as Alex and her daughter Zoe there are significant plot lines for Jill Ferriter and William South.
This book's main plot revolves around the body of a woman who has washed up at Dungeness, not far from where Alex and Zoe live. Alex has to investigate without Jill, however, as she has a connection with a possible suspect. Things get more complicated for Jill - not only is she sidelined from work, but we also learn alot more about her past as a man gets in touch claiming to be her father.
This is the start of a second story arc which cleverly weaves in and out of the main investigation, dragging William into danger.
Overall, this is another great book, with a compelling and original plot and sub plot. Well worth a read.