Black Reed Bay by Rod Reynolds
When a young woman makes a distressing middle-of-the-night call to 911, apparently running for her life in a quiet, exclusive beachside neighbourhood, miles from her home, everything suggests a domestic incident.
Except no one has seen her since, and something doesn’t sit right with the officers at Hampstead County PD. With multiple suspects and witnesses throwing up startling inconsistencies, and interference from the top threatening the integrity of the investigation, lead detective Casey Wray is thrust into an increasingly puzzling case that looks like it can have only one ending.
And then the first body appears, and Casey’s investigation plunges her into a darkness she could never have imagined...
Black Reed Bay introduces a breathtaking, powerful and addictive new series, fronted by the fantastic Detective Casey Wray, from the CWA-nominated author of Blood Red City and The Dark Inside.
About the author
Rod Reynolds is the author of four novels, including the Charlie Yates series. His 2015 debut, The Dark Inside, was longlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger, and was followed by Black Night Falling (2016) and Cold Desert Sky (2018); the Guardian has called the books ‘pitch-perfect American noir’. A lifelong Londoner, Rod’s first novel set in his hometown, entitled Blood Red City, was published by Orenda Books in 2020.
Rod previously worked in advertising as a media buyer, and holds an MA in novel writing from City University London. He lives with his wife and family and spends most of his time trying to keep up with his two young daughters. Follow him on Twitter @Rod_WR.
Review
‘Black Reed Bay’ is an exciting start to a brand new series from Rod Reynolds that features detective Casey Wray from Hamstead County PD. Rod is taking on the American tradition of literary noir and he does it with great skill and talent. It's an enthralling read with shades of light and dark and nuanced character. He manages to create an amazing protagonist with Casey and I adored her. Rod has taken inspiration from real-life events as this geographical area has been used as a dumpsite but what they suspect is numerous serial killers, but he has fictionalised the story concerning the victims. I was captivated by this book from start until the very last twist and turns. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Casey and her partner Cullen have been called to a disturbance on one of the barrier islands when a young woman makes a distressing call to 911. She is running for her life as she thinks someone wants to kill her. She tries knocking on peoples doors but was ignored and then ran off into the bay. No one has seen her since. Casey is being pulled between bosses and is getting conflicting orders etc. Then the first body turns up and it's not the missing girl.
Casey is a character with strength and poise. She is intelligent, witty, fun, loyal and determined to prove herself. But she isn't a cliche. There is no romance, or hint of it. Yeah, she probably works too much and is lonely but there is no hidden past or anything (well yet!). I loved her and she joins a roster of strong female leads in #teamorenda alongside Chastity Riley and Sam Shephard.
This is a book that doesn't rush the reader, yes there is action and lots of plot points but you are given time to get to know the characters, both police, victims and suspects. It's a meander through their frustrations, despairs, friendships and life choices. I thought it was brilliantly done. This is a book that will pull you in and suddenly you find it's 3 am and you have devoured the whole book! It was riveting.
Yet another Orenda winner! You need to read this!
