Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Troubled Tide by Lynne McEwan Series: Detective Shona Oliver #5
Published by Canelo on March 27, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 325
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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The threat has never been so close to home… DI Shona Oliver’s fellow officer PC Hayley Cameron drowns during a triathlon in the Solway Firth. The post-mortem reveals drugs in Hayley's system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests foul play.
Shona and her colleagues investigate, but those closest to Hayley grapple with the truth and risk letting personal feelings cloud their judgement. Could the answers to Hayley’s death lie within Shona’s own ranks?
As the case hits the buffers, Shona clashes with her daughter and also faces difficult questions about the murder of her old boss. Will Shona keep her head above the water long enough to see justice done, and what will it cost her if she does?
The Detective Shona Oliver series does a nice job with its police procedural aspects. Shona Oliver is a Detective Inspector. I would read these books in order for the personal growth and relationships. I like the setting in Scotland, the mysteries and cases, the police procedures, and less, Shona’s personal situations.
Shona struggles with her husband Rob, who came from money, and her teen, Becca, who is going through somewhat normal ups and downs. She loves them but I can’t say either is very kind to her. Rob is in jail for his schemes. Becca is angry with him for his crimes and for cheating on Shona. Money is a less of a problem, since Shona’s old school friend bought part of the B & B. Shona is having a long distance relationship with James who is living and working in America, a famous actor. His ex-wife and children are there.
Shona is at the lifeboat as there is a triathlon. Hayley, one of the police force is competing, so there are other officers on hand, including Kate, a DC from Shona’s team, best friend of Hayley. Hayley struggles and while they pull her out to get medical attention quickly, she dies. The autopsy reveals probable performance enhancing drugs and a puncture would which indicates foul play.
The investigation is very connected to the police which makes some things more difficult. Hayley’s fiance, and they live together, is also on the force. Kate is emotional and unprofessional, adding to the problems Shona faces. Hayley’s family is part of the criminal element in the area which makes it harder to talk to them.
The plot and investigation were engaging. I wasn’t very happy with some things in the investigation. I found Kate and other team members annoying. I felt irritated by her daughter Becca also. Shona’s own secrets from the past were also wearing on her.
The case ended with a certain solution but the various personal situations feels like a heavy weight.
About Lynne McEwan
Glasgow-born Lynne McEwan is a former newspaper photographer turned crime author. She’s covered stories including the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War in addition to many high profile murder cases. Her DI Shona Oliver series is set on the beautiful Solway Firth which forms the border between Scotland and England, and where Shona is also a lifeboat volunteer. Lynne is a graduate of the University of East Anglia’s Creative Writing programme and splits her time between Lincolnshire and Scotland.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
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Glad you’re still enjoying the series, Anne💜
yes it is a good read on the police aspects but the personal side is up and down.
This sounds like a well-crafted addition to the series overall, even if some of the characters were annoying. Nice review.
Thank you Naida. I have really appreciated the series overall.
Bummer that some characters were annoying. That can be frustrating.
yes. Overall it’s been a good series I found by reading the first book as a freebie.
The mystery sounds interesting but I’d probably be frustrated with all the angsty relationship issues. Sounds like there’s a lot.
The romance part felt like just an add on but not really important and mostly annoying. I liked all the police business. The personal side was at least limited.
This sounds good and I love all the complicated bits and pieces of the story.
Thanks. I’ve enjoyed this whole series.