A brand-new British crime mystery set on the Somerset coast from bestselling author Michael Hambling. Packed full of twists, this crime thriller will keep you turning the pages until the stunning conclusion. 

The body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbour, washed up with the incoming tide. A middle-aged man. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. And strangely his lungs are filled with fresh water. 

That’s when Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in. She and her team end up with the tricky cases, the ones no one else can handle. 

A few days later, a second body is discovered in woodland high up on Exmoor. 

Then a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction — and a very personal one for Sophie. It takes her back to a family tragedy fifteen years before, and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever. 

Discover a captivating crime mystery which will have you gripped from start to finish. 

If you like Joy Ellis, Ann Cleeves, J.D. Kirk, J.M. Dalgleish, or Pauline Rowson, you will be gripped by this thrilling crime mystery. 

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SOPHIE ALLEN BOOKS: 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved it. These Sophie Allen books get better and better.’ Aileen G. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another great read.’ Michelle G. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kept me enthralled from the first page and I did not want to put it down.’ Barbara 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fun whodunnit.’ Kimberly M. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Really liked Hidden Crimes and enjoyed getting to know Detective Sophie Allen and her team.’ Paula L. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The storyline was very interesting and flowed nicely . . . well worth reading!’ Debbie B. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Good pacing, excellent police procedural, interesting characters and a likeable police team . . . Definitely recommended!’ Hannelore C. 

THE DETECTIVES 
DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset’s acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. In this latest series entry, Sophie has recently been promoted to Chief Superintendent of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit, overseeing investigations across Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. She is in her late forties, and lives with her husband in Wareham. She has two grown-up daughters. Sophie has a law degree and a master’s in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past. 

THE SETTING 

Watchet is a pretty coastal town in West Somerset, steeped in maritime history and packed with craft and gift shops. It’s situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, an area of wild and rugged beauty. The stunning countryside belies darkness beneath the surface. 

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES NOW. 

THE DCI SOPHIE ALLEN BOOKS 
Book 1: DARK CRIMES 
Book 2: DEADLY CRIMES 
Book 3: SECRET CRIMES 
Book 4: BURIED CRIMES 
Book 5: TWISTED CRIMES 
Book 6: EVIL CRIMES 
Book 7: SHADOW CRIMES 
Book 8: SILENT CRIMES 
Book 9: RUTHLESS CRIMES 
Book 10: BRUTAL CRIMES 
Book 11: HIDDEN CRIMES 
Book 12: VICIOUS CRIMES