I’ve finished my first book of 2022 and how awesome is it that it was a 5-star one!
I first wrote, or found really, William Shaw’s DS Cupidi series in 2018 when I read the prequel, The Birdwatcher and then #1 in the series, Salt Lane. I wrote in my 2018 Year End in Review how this series was one of my favourites discovered that year. Deadland only confirms it as a continued favourite. It’s such an excellent crime series and I’m only more than happy to continue with it. I happened upon by chance the announcement that #4 came out in 2021 and I was like, what, wait?! There’s been more since Salt Lane?!
As an aside, 2018 seemed to be THE year to discover new series for me – Cormoran Strike, DS Cupidi and Lane Winslow? All continuing and well-loved mystery and crime series to read.
My library didn’t appear to have ordered Deadland (#2) or Grave’s End (#3) and finding this UK crime series was a challenge at Indigo, so once again Book Depository came to my rescue. I ordered both and they arrived before Christmas. I’ll wait until The Trawlerman comes out in paperback before ordering. Because, you know the set needs to match!
Anyway, Deadland picks up nicely after Salt Lane (and I do think you need to read The Birdwatcher first and then Salt Lane so you get the complete history/understanding about the main characters) with an excellent twisty mystery that opens up the dark underworld of the art scene and also those of the rich and famous. We are also treated to continued character development of Alexandra Cupidi, her life as a single-mom to her teenage-daughter Zoe and the establishing of her career as a female homicide detective.
It was completely gripping from beginning to end, with an ending filled with pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat moments and the mystery overall is also quite twisty! Great stuff!
Such a great start to my reading year! Let the 5-star books continue!
Happy New Year!
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