The Devil and the Dark Water

By: Stuart Turton

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

A murder on the high seas. A remarkable detective duo. A demon who may or may not exist.

The extraordinary new novel from Stuart Turton, author of the best-selling The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, winner of the Costa Best First Novel Award.

It's 1634 and Samuel Pipps, the world's greatest detective, is being transported to Amsterdam to be executed for a crime he may, or may not, have committed. Traveling with him is his loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes, who is determined to prove his friend innocent.

But no sooner are they out to sea than devilry begins to blight the voyage. A twice-dead leper stalks the decks. Strange symbols appear on the sails. Livestock is slaughtered.

And then three passengers are marked for death, including Samuel.

Could a demon be responsible for their misfortunes?

With Pipps imprisoned, only Arent can solve a mystery that connects every passenger. A mystery that stretches back into their past and now threatens to sink the ship, killing everybody on board.

©2020 Stuart Turton (P)2020 Tantor

Sequel Please!

I didn’t see that coming. Please continue this into a series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A masterpiece!

This was a tremendous book! The story was dark and twisty with a smattering of humor weaved in. Plus the narrator is perfection!
I thought Stuart Turton would have a hard time coming close to his first novel, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, but he did!
Long as it was I never wanted it to end.

Captivating story with lots of twists and turnqs

Very long listen but so worth it. I enjoyed this more than 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It’s set up to expand into a series and I certainly hope that happens.

Such a good story! It’s worth listening / reading!

I absolutely love Stuart Turton’s two books. This is his second. He’s such a clever author and I can’t wait for his next book. This is a must listen / read!

Clever!!! Interesting!!!

The development of characters and the plot are excellent! It held my attention the whole way through the book! Every T was crossed, and every i was dotted. I would like to go back and reread!

Disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's previous book. which is why I gave this one a try. what could have been the very interesting story was bogged down in wokeness. there is a continuous negative portrayal of religion and religious people as very bad and horrible. all rich people are scum and horrible as well. and there is Non-Stop bashing and complaining about men and the patriarchy throughout the whole damn thing. to some readers, especially of certain political or philosophical leanings, will enjoy that aspect of this book thoroughly. I did not. I read books and watch movies to escape from the loud and obnoxious social and political shouting that is pushed in our faces every day and I hate that more and more entertainment is filled with these things as well. as I said, I thoroughly enjoyed his previous book the seven and a half deaths of Evelyn hardcastle, and I may yet still give his next book, which as of this review is not yet out, a try.

Even better then The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle!

Loved the book, best mystery I’ve read in a while, and a great story. The only thing I can think of that I didn’t really like is that around half way through the book it was getting a little bit slow.

A decent yarn

Stuart Turton knows how to spin a story. I wish this one was a bit less wordy but it is captivating.

The ending

Technically there is nothing wrong with this story.
It is well written and was a pleasure to listen all the way through. The ending just left me a bad taste in my mouth

Good, not great

Entertaining beginning and middle, but it didn't stick the landing. 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is more entertaining.