The Malice of Waves

Book excerpt: The gripping and atmospheric mystery about one boy's disappearance from an isolated but bleakly beautiful island on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean . . . 'A fine series of detective novels' SUNDAY TIMES 'CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH' ________ Five years ago, fourteen-year-old Max Wheeler disappeared from Priest's Island. It's a close-knit local community. There are no secrets. Except what happened to Max. None of the police or private investigations have shed any light on what happened. But there is one man who is yet to take on the case: The Sea Detective. Cal McGill is an oceanographer and unique investigator who uses his knowledge of tides, winds and currents to solve mysteries no-one else can. But Cal is an unwelcome stranger who must navigate the tensions between Max's inconsolable father, the broken family he has neglected, and the embittered locals, resentful after years of suspicion. As Cal arrives, a violent storm approaches, threatening to completely cut off the island, with a possible murderer at large . . . ________ 'The Malice of Waves is the first novel literally to give me nightmares . . . for a crime novel that's surely a mark of distinction' Herald 'Really good stuff, full of atmosphere, and accomplished in both prose and plot' Morning Star Praise for Mark Douglas-Home: 'A first-class mystery - perplexing and at times disturbing' i 'Intelligence, imagination and lucid writing' The Times 'I'm completely addicted to this series' Dermot O'Leary