Dead Water

A Shetland Mystery

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Kenny Blyth

Ann Cleeves returns to her critically acclaimed Shetland Island series, now a BBC television show available on streaming.

Dead Water is the next stunning mystery featuring Inspector Jimmy Perez, who readers will remember from Raven Black, White Nights, Red Bones, and Blue Lightning. When the body of a journalist is found, Detective Inspector Willow Reeves is drafted from outside to head up the investigation. Inspector Jimmy Perez has been out of the loop, but his local knowledge is needed in this case, and he decides to help Willow.

The dead journalist had left the islands years before to pursue his writing career. In his wake, he left a scandal involving a young girl. When Willow and Jimmy dig deeper, they realize that the journalist was chasing a story that many Shetlanders didn't want to come to the surface.

In Dead Water, a triumphant continuation to her Shetland series, Ann Cleeves cements her place as one of Britain's most successful crime writers.

Critic reviews

“Cleeves returns to a sea-bound land of crofters' cottages, barren rocks and fog, especially the fog surrounding the murders...the well-constructed procedural grains another dimension from Jimmy's re-engagement with his work and his life.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Cleeves has an unusually deft hand with characters; not one of them seems purely plot functional, and Perez's character keeps deepening with each book. The rough islands cresting the Atlantic fit the bleakness of the murders depicted here. This series is one of two that Cleeves has going; the other stars Northumberland detective Vera Stanhope and is a hit BBC series.” —Booklist (starred)

“Absorbing...Cleeves keeps readers guessing until the final page.” —Publishers Weekly

“Nothing short of riveting.” —Louise Penny

“Creates a dark enough mood to keep you straining to see what will come to light next.” —People

“In true Christie fashion, Cleeves once more pulls the wool over our eyes with cunning and conviction.” —Colin Dexter

“Gripping from start to finish.” —Booklist


“Deserves the top crime writer's prize in the United States this year. Don't miss this standout.” —Rocky Mountain News

“A riveting read.” —Val McDermid


“If you're a fan of Frances Fyfield, Minette Walters, or Val McDermid, get to know Cleeves.” —The Globe and Mail (UK)

I Love This Series

This is the fifth "Shetland" book I've read and I loved it as much as I did the first four.

Ann Cleeves does an excellent job of describing the characters and the setting. As I listen, I feel a very strong sense of place, though I've never even visited an area bears any similarity to Shetland. Her characters are interesting and seem real as she describes them. Jimmy Perez is the main protagonist. He has suffered a terrible loss in his life, and is beginning to recover in this story.

Kenny Blyth's narration is seamless and excellent. Some readers have commented that they found him hard to understand - I did not have that experience. I have lived my entire live in the North Central United States and had no problems understanding the accents.

If you like fast paced books with non-stop action, this one probably isn't for you. What you will find here is a well told story populated with interesting characters who live is a fascinating place.

Wish there were more Anne Cleeves mysteries available.

I love the Shetland Island driers but am missing one. The other detective Vera Stanhope is also great but only one book recorded I have my fingers crossed for more.

Good but not Great

First let me say I like the new narrator very much. I liked Gordon Griffin also, in earlier books in the series. I did not find Kenny Blyth at all hard to understand - I thought he had just enough accent to fit the Shetland setting. I noticed when he needed a classy English accent he did that perfectly (as far as I could tell).

If you want to get other audiobooks from this series try typing in the title in the search blank, or go to Amazon and search there. You should be able to buy them on Amazon with your Audible credits.

It's an interesting story but I thought the solution to the murders required way too much surmise on the part of Jimmy Perez after the fact - I don't want to spoil the surprise but the culprits hardly figured in the story at all up until the end so a lot of back explanation had to be added right at that point, after they were caught. Perhaps there were clues I missed as I did listen in the car but the final revelations seemed to come out of the blue. Still, I enjoyed the book and do recommend it. I hope Willow figures into future books in the series.

Brilliant!

Loved this book - made me so homesick for Scotland. Gifted writer, great story. I recommend all her books!

Great Series

Just love the Shetland series. The characters, details and setting is so that I feel I am there. The mystery is always twisting and keeping me engaged and guessing. thank you Ann Cleeves!