Black Water Rising is about the mysterious disappearances of teenage girls in Liverpool. The tension ramps up with the discovery of the third victim, setting the stage for a gripping investigation led by DCI de Silva. However, while the initial setup is compelling, the execution falters at times. DCI de Silva is an okay character whose personal struggles with grief and PTSD add depth to the story, but I had a difficult time connecting with her for some reason. The exploration of her vulnerabilities is important, yet it occasionally slows down the pacing. DS Barclay, another key character, faces his own set of challenges as he tries to prove himself beyond mere tokenism. Their partnership presents an interesting dynamic.

Overall, Black Water Rising was a good introduction to this author and this new series. Sometimes, the story struggles to balance character development and plot momentum. But I think it is a compelling crime thriller, and I will check out more books in this series.

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