This was a good follow up to the previous book. It had an engaging plot and interesting characters that keep you turning the pages.

Robert Bryndza is continuing his series featuring Kate Marshall in this book, Shadow Sands.

Kate is a part-time PI and an admired and respected criminology lecturer based at Ashdean University, on England's south coast, working with a clever and willing research assistant, Tristan Harper. In this instalment, when Kate is diving with her son she discovers a man's body in Shadow Sands reservoir. The man, 18-year-old Simon Kendal and an Olympic level swimming hopeful, has serious injuries. His death is thought to be the result of an accident but Kate thinks otherwise, doubting that an extremely strong swimmer would drown in such a way, along with Simon's mum, Lyn. As Lyn begs Kate to find out what really befell her son, other issues and anomalies arise...

It wasn't long before I became fully caught-up in this novel, and I hurtled through the immensely dark story-line, brimming as it was with menace and suspense. The plot was tight, the pacing swift and the crime scenes were written in some detail, all making for an intense and gritty read. Kate made a marvellous protagonist, her character having been masterfully developed by Robert Bryndza and she is proving to be a solid lead in the series. Despite her flaws and testing personality, I have really warmed to her character and she is one of the reasons why this thriller-mystery and the series have worked well for me, so far. I adored the dynamics between her and Tristan and Robert Bryndza has developed Tristan's character marvellously in this novel. Shadow Sands has the perfect twisted thriller concoction, and it was an excellent continuation in a series that is becoming a favourite.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

A serial killer operating hidden in shadows for many years, and all t took was one lone cop along with her assistant to unmask the perp. The race was on.
My first book by this author, the story moved fast, giving me the depth of Kate's character. I liked how she and Tristan worked together. There were synchrony and balance in this crime thriller. I thought I would have loved the book more had I read the earlier one. Nonetheless, this one too managed to pull me in.
A fast exhilarating police procedural.

Shadow sands is the brilliant and gruesome second instalment in the Detective Kate Marshall series. True to form Bryndza thrills us with blood, gore and suspense. The way he writes is fantastic, the story both repulses you and makes you want to read more. This is 'edge of your seat' reading!

From one of my favourite authors, I was keen to get this book and so happy when the publishers and NetGalley gave me an ARC in return for an honest review. Many Thanks
This is the second Kate Marshall book in the series - the first one Nine Elms I devoured as quickly as I possibly could. Kate has an interesting back story and to make the most of this book I would read the first one before you pick this up but that is just my opinion.
Whilst diving with her son they discover a body in the reservoir of a young man and after an investigation by the police, it is seen to be an accident.
Kate and her assistant - Tristan start to dig deeper and discover that there have been other cases of women disappearing near to where Kate and her son found the body.
I love the character of Kate and her back story which I think in the realm of crime novels is unique and she has to work hard at trying to deal with the issues in her past. I love the fact that we learn more about her and Tristan and I like their evolving relationship.
Another tense read and another one of this author's books which keeps me obsessed by turning the pages.
Absolute 5 star read. This is turning into a great series, cannot wait for the next one.

This is book #2 of the Kate Marshall series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone book. I never though I could betray Erika Foster, the leading character from this author’s previous series, but I have to admit Kate Marshall gives her a run for her money! We are back in beautiful Devon, and lecturer and former police detective Marshall, finds herself caught up in a case of the discovery of a young man who appears to have drowned in a reservoir. I love Kate’s character in the first book and despite her personal problems, she again proves that she should never had been made to leave the police force. She is such a brilliant detective that it does feel she is wasted as a lecturer, but what is the police’s loss is certainly the University’s gain!

Her trusty sidekick, Tristan is also back to not only help her as her assistant in the University, but to help put the pieces together with the mystery of missing local people. He does however, also have his own personal problems to deal with. Their relationship is great and whilst it is mainly a working one, their friendship gets stronger as the storyline moves on.

This is a fabulous crime series, and the plot is gripping right from the start! I love the opening scenes of Kate going diving with her son, feeling her excitement and amazement at the underwater village. Whilst the book is set in a beautiful area of Devon, the rolling mists, thick fog and hydroelectric dam makes it feel bleak, desolate and just a little bit eerie! With plots of missing people, deaths, police corruption and powerful land owners, you find yourself being kept on your toes and chasing your tail trying to work out who, or what is involved in the mysteries of the local area over the years.

Aside from the investigation, Kate’s personal life and her relationship with her teenage son is still facing problems, especially as her son is in touch with his father, and Kate’s ex-boss, Peter Conway. If you haven’t read the first book, I won’t spoil the storyline of who Peter Conway is, but it’s safe to say he isn’t someone who you would want in your son’s life!! I love how strong and brave Kate comes across where Conway is concerned, although I imagine it must scare the life out of her just hearing his name.

All in all, this is fantastic book where the storyline completely gets under your skin! Kate is an amazing lead character who, despite her flaws, knows how to get the job done using her past contacts, skills and knowledge, and proving that sometimes two heads are better than one with Tristan’s partnership!! The book will grab you from the very first page and not let you go until the last. The past is face, the storyline hypnotic and there are lots of characters to be suspicious of! I love this author’s books and I honestly can’t wait until the next book of the series. Heart-stoppingly, nail-bitingly good!! Would highly recommend!!

I have read every one of Robert's books and loved them all - especially the Erika ones, The first one featuring Kate and Tristan was enjoyable, but this one took a long time to get into, I just didn't find it a good read to start. However the last 25% was fabulous, a lot of tension and fast paced thrills - reminded me why I love his books

When former detective Kate Marshall discovers the body of a young man in the Shadow Sands reservoir, the cause of death of determined as a tragic accident. His mum is not so sure. A strong swimmer, fully aware of the risks, why would he choose to swim in such a dangerous place late at night, fully clothed? Managing to convince her that foul play is involved, Kate and her research assistant Tristan Harper take a closer look and are soon convinced that the boy has been murdered and that this is not the killer’s first victim. When another woman is taken, can Kate discover the truth before she too suffers the same fate?

A year after being introduced to Kate Marshall in Nine Elms, she is back with a bang. After being completely hooked by the first few chapters in the previous book, I couldn’t wait to read the sequel, putting it on my most anticipated books of 2020 list. I am so pleased to report that Shadow Sands is another outstanding read and deserves to be a huge hit for Robert Bryndza.

Although this could be read as a standalone, I would recommend that you read the previous book as some serious spoilers are revealed in this one. In Shadow Sands we see the development of the characters we have previously met and , in particular, we discover more about Tristan and what makes him tick. It was a clever move to use the missing woman to introduce us to his personal life and I enjoyed reading the difference in reactions between his sister and Kate when he makes his revelation. I love the relationship between the two main characters and how they trust each other implicitly, their skills complementing each other perfectly.

The plot is an engaging one and moves on at a good pace. What starts off as the discovery of a body deemed the result of an accidental death soon becomes a much bigger investigation when Kate realises that there is more to the local urban legends – what if there are more undiscovered bodies in the reservoir? The danger Kate and Tristan find themselves in is nothing compared to the horrors faced by the missing woman. Her experiences at the hands of her captor were horrific and I think I found the thought of them standing watching her whilst wearing night vision goggles the most disturbing part. The resilience shown by the woman, however, was nothing short of amazing and I willed her to get through her ordeal alive.

This is shaping up to be a fantastic series and I can’t wait to see where Robert Bryndza takes Kate and Tristan next.

Excellent as always. A Bryndza book never disappoints and this latest is no exception. I’m enjoying getting to know the lead character and look forward to the next book.

The internationally bestselling author of Nine Elms and The Girl in the Ice is back with a nail-biting new Kate Marshall case, a woman with a dark secret and a powerful sense of justice.

This is Bryndza's second book introducing Kate Marshall, this time on a deeper level .
Another strong powerful woman , those of which the author favours,who negotiates her past and present with dignity, Kate"s now Teenage son is staying with her for the summer and her relationship with him is flourishing. That is, until they come across the bloated body of a young man whilst diving,and so the investigation starts. Her lecturing job put aside, her and her collegue. Tristan searched for answers. all the while battling with ongoing issues with Jake's Father, murderer Peter Conway who wasintroduced to us in the previous book in the seris . #Nine Elms
The pace is fast and suspenseful and the characters strong.
It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
Another banging book by Robert .
If you haven't read it yet. Do So Now. You won't be disqpointed.

A big thanks to #netgalley for the complimentary cop to review.
#robertbryndza
#shadowsands
#NETGALLEY
#complementeryreviewcopy

I could not wait for the next Kate Marshall installment. Loved None Elms. Shadow sands did not disappoint. The plot was just the right amount of suspense, thriller and gore. Highly recommend. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

Holy freaking Hell….What a book! It feels like ages since I have read a book by Robert all because I listened to Nine Elms on audio. Which I absolutely loved. Even though I enjoy audio it isn’t the same has escaping into a book. Oh boy is book, is an absolute corker…pure escapism.

So this is the second book in the series, the author is well know for his Detective Erika Foster. I am a massive fan. But there is something about Kate Marshall I like that little bit more.

Robert sets the scene with an OMG opening….. I was well and truly hooked when Kate and her son find a body in the Shadow Sands reservoir. Thats just for starters!

With short and snappy chapters, we then follow a nail biting page turner when Kate is asked to help find out the truth about the boys death. With a who- dun- it story.

Not only do we have a brilliant plot but has the story unfolds we get to learn more about Kate and her past. She is strong determined character with flaws from her past that has made her the way she is. I seriously can’t wait to see how things develop. I am so excited for the next book!

Shadow Sands is a excellent story with descriptions that make you feel right there in the story. I honestly cannot tell you how good this book is. I cannot recommend it enough and it without a doubt a five star read.

Massive congratulations Robert keep up the good work.

Robert Bryndza is the bestselling author of the Detective Chief Inspector Ericka Foster series and has recently introduced another crime series featuring ex-DC Kate Marshall, university lecturer and wannabe private investigator. Following on from her debut last year in “Nine Elms”, she returns in “Shadow Sands”, once again with her young research assistant Tristan Harper and involves herself in the possible murder of a young man. While out scuba diving with her son at the Shadow Sands reservoir, they discover his mutilated body and after being approached by the boy’s mother to investigate how he drowned, Kate takes a personal interest in the unexplained death. Kate is also still living with her demons and dealing with her subsequent alcohol dependency, after discovering that the Nine Elms cannibal killer, DCI Peter Conway, was her boss and father to her son Jake.
Along with a potential serial killer, an abduction of a young woman, myths and legends and Jake’s sudden interest in visiting his father in jail, we also have a story thread involving Tristan and his emotions involving his love life.
I really do like this series - the easy to follow storyline, relatable characters and the pure escapism in the plot. There is also some witty dialogue, edge of the seat tension, quite graphic and chilling moments and a rather entertaining nod to the Hannibal Lecter jail scene in ‘Silence of the Lambs’.
Well worth a read, this is excellently suited to non hardened crime readers and I expect more thrilling action from Kate and Tristan again in the future!
4 stars

Enjoyed this sequel to the first Kate Marshall book. Fast-moving and tense with good characters. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I LOVED THIS BOOK ....... Another amazing,gripping and dark encounter for kate and tristan, I was hooked from the first page as always with books written by this author whom I didn't discover till last year and I'm assassination glad I did Robert is one of my favourite aurhors . The depths and detail he goes into each character is amazing especially kate. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE, I'm excited to see where the story is going to go for kate and Tristan but also for Jake and his father. A massive well done Robert another amazing book thank you . Obviously I would highly recommend I also wish I could give A lot more stars

was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With a strong start I was instantly invested in the story. Well narrated, with interesting and realistic characters, this was a good crime novel.
Excellent pace which built the tension.
Really enjoyed reading this and await the next book by this author.
4.5 stars

I absolutely adore books by this author, with the exception of Nine Elms - which I enjoyed but wasn't gripped by. Well this book has made me want to reread Nine Elms in case I judged it too harshly. The sequel is brilliant and even better than the first in this series.

The first book in this series really focuses on the main character, Kate's past In this second installment her past does come along to haunt her and the battles wit hold demons continue, however this time we really get a feel for the other characters. .

#RobertBryndza excels with dark and twisty plots and this is no different. the imagery he creates is beautiful and I feel like I know Devon from his descriptions. I look forward to more Kate Marshall investigations and would love to read more Erica Foster too.

Many thanks to #Netgalley for gifting me an electronic copy of #ShadowSands in exchange for an honest review.

Since reading Nine Elms, the first book in Robert Bryndza’s Kate Marshall series I’ve been waiting patiently for book 2 and I have to say it was definitely worth the wait.

When Kate a former detective and now a criminology lecturer goes diving with her son Jake in the Shadow Sands reservoir they’re on the hunt for long lost buildings that hide underneath the man made reservoir, they don’t expect to find the body of a young man.

Always having that bit of detective in her, Kate’s keen to find out what happened to the young man but when the case is wrapped up in extra quick time and it’s classed as an accidental drowning, things just don’t add up for Kate. When the victims mum comes to Kate asking for her help, Kate finds it hard to resist.

We found out a lot about Kate in the first book and in this one we get to find out a bit more about Tristan, Kate’s assistant. I love this pairing, they work so well together and make such a great team. Both characters are so likeable and real feeling and I feel there’s a lot more to find out about them and I can’t wait.

One thing I’ve learned from reading Robert Bryndza’s books is that nothing is straight forward, expect the unexpected and prepare to be totally and utterly gripped and Shadow Sands is certainly a gripper. The plot is original but believable and I went through every character believing they were the one. It wasn’t until very late in the book that the penny dropped and I realised who it was.

I’ve loved every Robert Bryndza book I’ve read and I’m not sure how’s its possible (because they’re all fantastic) but they just seem to get better and better. The tension that builds while you’re reading is crazy, I found myself turning the pages so desperate to find out what was going to happen next (not because I was holding my breath and nearly passing out, honestly).

If you’ve never read a Robert Bryndza book then I highly recommend you do. Shadow Sands could be read as a stand alone but to really get a good feel for the characters and their back story then I’d start from the beginning, Nine Elms. You won’t regret it and you’ll probably end up addicted like me and be sitting waiting patiently for number three.

Another 5*'s for Robert Bryndza. His books are fast paced with great flowing writing. I love the characters - honest and flawed. I loved learning more about Tristan in this second book in the Kate Marshall series. You can almost feel the eery background and feel the fog around you. I can't wait for number three!

A gripping thriller and I enjoyed followed Kate and Tristan on their journey to solving the mystery of the missing persons from their town. However I have realised how much I enjoy following the police procedures in crime novels and for me this was really missing. Despite that, this was well written, pacy and a good mix of characters and great descriptions of locations. I would love to see Kate rejoin the police force for her the novel.