Ruin Beach by Kate Rhodes
THE ISLAND OF TRESCO HOLDS A DARK SECRET SOMEONE WILL KILL TO PROTECT.
Ben Kitto has become the Scilly Isles’ Deputy Chief of Police. As the island’s lazy summer takes hold, he finds himself missing the excitement of the murder squad in London. But when the body of professional diver Jude Trellon is discovered, anchored to the rocks of a nearby cave, his investigative skills are once again needed.
At first it appears that the young woman’s death was a tragic accident, but when evidence is found that suggests otherwise, the islanders close ranks. With even those closest to the victim refusing to talk, it seems that plenty of people might have had reason to harm her. As the islanders remain guarded, Ben Kitto suspects a killer is on the loose in Tresco.
Everyone is a suspect.
Nobody is safe.
About the author
Kate Rhodes is a bestselling British crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been passionate about the islands since holidaying there as a child, and still returns regularly to research her books. Kate's books have been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award, and the Library Dagger award.
Kate was born in south London, but now lives in Cambridge with her husband. She did a wide range of jobs including working in bars, being a theatre usherette, and teaching at a liberal arts college in Florida, before focusing on her writing. She works part-time as a Creative Writing Fellow at Cambridge University.
Review
‘Ruin Beach’ is the second in the Isle of Scilly mysteries and was a brilliant follow up to the first book ‘Hell Bay’!
DI Ben Kitto has settled back on his island home at the stunning Isles of Scilly after working undercover in the Met police for years. He is now working as a Deputy police chef that covers the whole of the islands and he has his sidekick of Shadow, the dog he isn’t sure he truly wants. When the body of a professional diver, Jude Trellon is discovered chained to the rocks on Tresco he has to launch a murder investigation. As the Islanders close ranks he really has to push boundaries to find out what has happened to the young mother. As rumours begin to swirl another young man goes missing from the island and Ben begins to believe there is a dangerous killer on the loose. One he needs to find before another life is taken.
One of the best things about this series as a reader is being able to visit the wonderful setting on the Isles of Scilly and learning about their beautiful scenery and turbulent waters. Kate uses such rich and vibrant descriptions that I was easily able to picture them and the life which the locals lead. Trust me the author has depicted small communities honestly - the hidden faces of residents, the rivalries and localities that are formed over generations, the judgement of incomers etc.
The main storyline lead me down so many Google rabbit holes as I had no idea about the number of wrecks off the islands! I was fascinated and since I have always wanted to learn to scuba dive I ended up watching a lot of videos on dives in the area. It truly is amazing what is hidden under the water round our shores. The story was so atmospheric, both in its narrative and its writing. The moody seas and dank weather really fit with the story and the elements of intrigue and danger.
This is a brilliant read and I devoured it in a few days. I have really fallen for this series, the setting is brilliant and Ben is beginning to develop into a great character. I'm surprised that this hasn't been made into a TV series! Roll on book three!
