Vinny and Sue are the keys to of this character driven story that takes you on a journey into the procedure behind a murder investigation, while examining its effect on the participants and how it reflects in their personal lives. It's one of those page turners that has everything you want in a mystery, intriguing and logical plot, realistic characters, and an emotional journey that you can become absorbed in.

Netgalley and Avon kindly sent me this book to read and review. I am so pleased they did, as this is amazing. I am writing this on the 15th March, and I read this book yesterday. I could not put it down. It will be my book of the month for March, most definitely. The pace and story are so good, with twists all the way through and then some towards the end. This author’s first two books were great, but this surpasses them by miles.

It is set near where I live on the south east coast, which is where this author lives. Police procedurals are always so good when written by ex police, and they certainly get my vote. The way this story plays out is bloody amazing; you cannot predict the ending or any of what happens. Sheer perfect writing, I cannot wait for the next book coming next year, 2027.

Against the Tide is one of those crime novels that pulls you in with its mystery but keeps you there for its emotional weight. What begins as a brutal double murder in the quiet coastal town of Beachbrook quickly becomes something far more personal for DC Vinny Robson—a man who has spent his life seeking justice for others, only to find himself dragged into the darkest corners of his own history.

The setting is beautifully rendered: the south coast with its shifting tides, its salt‑stung air, and its sense that the sea is always hiding something beneath the surface. That atmosphere mirrors Vinny’s journey perfectly. As he and DS Sue Wilmott dig into the case, the discovery of his mother’s old diaries cracks open a lifetime of secrets she fought fiercely to bury. The emotional punch of those entries—fragmented memories, quiet confessions, the things she couldn’t say aloud—gives the novel a haunting intimacy.

The investigation itself is tense and layered, but it’s the personal stakes that make it compelling. Vinny’s struggle is not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting the version of his past he’s always believed in and the version that might destroy him. The more he uncovers, the more the line blurs between truth and protection, justice and survival. The metaphor of the tide is woven through the narrative with subtle elegance—some truths stay submerged for decades, but once they begin to rise, they’re impossible to stop.

The pacing is steady and immersive, building toward revelations that feel both shocking and inevitable. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister, and Ann Cleeves will appreciate the blend of emotional depth, atmospheric tension, and character‑driven suspense.

A moving, quietly devastating crime drama about family, memory, and the dangerous pull of long‑buried truths. It lingers like sea mist long after the final page.

With thanks to GD Wright, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

A series of violent robberies has been plaguing Beachbrook for months, with no suspects or leads. Now, DS Sue Wilmott and DC Vinny Robson are called in to investigate a brutal attack on an elderly couple in their own home.

But as the investigation unravels, and Vinny discovers his mum’s old diaries, he begins to uncover some very uncomfortable secrets that may connect to the crime he’s investigating..

Wow! By now, I know to prepare myself when starting a G.D. Wright book. From the very beginning chapter, I was immediately pulled into the shocking story and reminded that we’re back in Beachbrook!

Gary’s style is what I’d call police procedural with heart, and a decent dose of emotional devastation!

The story is expertly plotted, full of twists and surprises, scary and macabre at times. It’s also about real people and their relationships. The friendships, support and understanding between the colleagues at the police station feel very real and heartwarming in contrast to what they’re investigating. They look after each other, and the authenticity of Gary’s writing based on his own former police career really shine through.

And amongst the long-held secrets, questions around morality, and at times, pure evil, we also see humanity, empathy, and hope.

I enjoyed seeing DS Wilmott’s character developed even further from the previous books, and loved Vinny. I’m looking forward to reading more from them both in book 4!

After discovering G.D Wright, he has been on my list of " I will read whatever he writes. This book did not disappoint. I am grateful for an early reader copy.
The novel carried very heavy themes but it was written beautifully, I got into the story very quickly and did not get lost even with their been a few character.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Having read the previous two books by this author I was looking forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed, it grabs you from the first page and the story and characters keep you gripped to the end. The twists and turns are brilliant and each time you think the reveal has come you then realise it hasn't and there are more surprises, and the ending is one I will remember for a long time as I didn't see that coming. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

1. Blurbs by Gillian MacAllister and Lisa Jewell = instant request
2. What just happened??? (complimentary)
3. I really liked the writing. Lots of emotions and depth for a thriller.
4. I didn’t realize there were two other books in the series. I wish I knew and had read them first. Either way, they have been added to my TBR.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I did not want to put it down once I started reading. Easily able to give this book five stars.

This was a WILD RIDE.

If you've read G.D Wright's previous books, you'll be familiar with the character DS Sue Wilmott. And like his others, this one is written from multiple POVs - including new protagonist Vinny. We follow Vinny's story as a FLO (Family Liaison Officer) on a case where an elderly couple is brutally murdered in their own home, as he offers support to their surviving daughter, Natalie. Vinny is also struggling with some pretty big issues in his personal life and we get a very raw look at how he handles his day job and his responsibility outside of work.

The story tackles some difficult topics but it's done really well. You can absolutely tell that the author worked in this field before, the realness makes it even more tense.

I'm never very good at weaving together clues and figuring out the plot, but I really thought I had it with this one. HOWEVER. Just as I thought I was onto something, I was slapped in the face by a twist, and again, and again and then once more for good measure.

If you're into thrillers with domestic crime plot lines then this is a must read for you.

This is an emotional story of how one crime can unravel years of buried secrets. It is gritty, raw and will keep you guessing until the end! I know I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while.

This book is diabolical in an amazing way. Obviously all thrillers are dark but this one was even more disturbing than most. Without revealing spoilers, I will just say that there were numerous parts of this book which left me feeling uncomfortable. That's how thrillers should be! If a book doesnt grab my attention right away, I have a hard time focusing through out the rest of the book. I love the fact that this story had me in its grip the whole way through. Great work.

As someone who loves suspense, Against the Tide is a dream come true. It is character-driven and full of tension and suspense, with themes of memory, guilt, and the secrets we carry across generations. The setting feels vivid and atmospheric, and the moral complexity of the ending lingered with me after the final page. A thoughtful and engaging mystery that moves beyond a simple whodunit. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
#AgainsttheTide

I cannot explain just how much I adore G.D Wright and his books. Even when he was going through a difficult time, he was still kind enough to contact me when I was having a bad mental health episode and I can't begin to say how much that meant to be. So I was thrilled to get to read an early copy of his new book.

This is book three in this, unofficial trilogy I suppose, starting with After the Storm and then Into the Fire.

We've got the same characters from the previous two which helps add a sense of familiarity, but we've also got new ones which makes it fresh and exciting. They are all written very well. Not all likeable, and no-one is 100% hero or villain, they're all a bit morally grey which makes them more human. The characters are the best they've ever been; these three books have really given him the time to develop them.

At first, I thought it wasn't going to be as heart-wrenching as the previous two, because they tended to focus on children and this one didn't. And I was happy about that at first because the other two destroyed me. But no. I spoke too soon. I was wrong. It's just as bad (and I mean that in the best, positive way possible).

I managed to get to about 55% before I cried though, which is progress!

This one looks more at the police, the humans behind the force, rather than the crimes themselves - that's what I got out of it anyway.

We've got the main story, yes, but we also have this story concerning Vinny. It's got so many layers to it, that handled by someone not as adept as Wright, might have been too much. But everything is balanced so well here, the stories, characters, memories, emotions, and just everything about it is so wonderful. His ability to write grief is second to none, and I saw myself in the bereaved and it really touched me.

His books are thrillers yes, there's deaths, crimes, detectives, horror, and violence and whatnot. But for me, the thriller elements almost take a back seat, so important are the relationships and emotions he's developed in these characters.

And the ending - obviously I'm not going to spoil it but I did not see it coming one bit (then again I am notoriously terrible at working out the endings of whodunnits and whatnot).

Whilst it's not a conventional trilogy as such, the main characters do hold a story thread across the three, and I did wonder if this would be the end of it, but after finishing it, I'm really hoping that's a big fat NO, because I'd read about these characters forever if I could.

It's not an easy book to read, let's be honest here, there are some very difficult topics. But it's handled so well. I just absorbed it and read it in one day because I HAD to know what happened.

That's three books he's published, three books I've read, and three books I've given five stars too. At this rate, he's on to a career chock-a-block of five-star reviews and I for one cannot wait to collect them all (I think that makes him a Pokémon).

I really enjoyed this one, G.D Wright managed to get me emotionally wrecked with a perfectly crafted storyline and layered characters. I absolutely would recommend.
So grateful I got an ARC copy! Brilliant.

He’s only gone and done it again, hasn’t he?! But, if you’re already a massive fan of Gaz’s books like I am, you probably already know it’s going to be another corker before you’ve even picked it up (and without me even telling you!) I love Gaz’s books. I adore them. But this one… it hit different. Yes, I inhaled it. Yes, it made me cry. And yes, I think this is his best book yet.

Against the Tide is an exceptional crime drama, a real masterclass in emotional depth with relatable characters and heart-pounding scenarios that command every bit of your attention. The third book from G.D. Wright focuses on DC Vinny Robson who is acting as Family Liaison Officer in a new case, with our favourite DS Sue Willmott; there are burglars terrorising Beachbrook, and an elderly couple are found brutally murdered in their home. But alongside this horrific investigation, Vinny also has to navigate his way through the most testing of times as his mother battles dementia. He discovers her lost diaries from years gone by and uncovers painful truths that would change his entire life. His personal and professional lives collide in the most unimaginable of ways and let me tell you – it’s an absolutely phenomenal read.

I was once again completely absorbed in this author’s writing. It’s so easy to read and so incredibly engrossing that before you know it, the sun’s gone down and you’ve missed a meal. But let’s face it, those are the kind of books you want in your life. The pacing was perfectly balanced, the shocking discoveries (and there are loads) punch you in the gut and have you thinking about what you’d do in a situation, how you’d cope, how you’d heal and move on. The delicate attention given to grief and people affected by dementia had me in tears. I felt everything so deeply and I was so moved by it.

On one hand, it’s a story of strength, of community, of family and friendship. But on the other, it’s about dark, buried secrets, a haunting, unthinkable past, and a mother’s desire to protect. And that ending? Oooooff!! It’s already effortlessly slipped into my top reads of the year, no question! Book four, where are you?!

My 3rd read by G D and let’s just say he never disappoints!!
Loved this storyline so much!
The characters he writes really resonate with you, they give all the emotions and are so layered you feel like you know them.
Then we have complex topics incorporated in the story that are always so excellently executed it’s just incredible!
Add these two together and you just have a thriller that is perfection!

Gripping police procedural. Why is GD wright not more better known? he should be. Cracking crime drama and intrigue. You'd be mad to miss it.

He's done it again, absolutely fantastic book.
The setting, the characters, the roller coaster ride of emotions, it's just jam packed full of twists and turns, even when you think you have it all worked out then you're wrong. Tissues will also be required. Really hoping there is another book in the works. Brilliant.

How do you know that you are reading a good book? You are so emersed in it that you blend your real life with what you are reading. I got so involved in this book. It was raining outside at my house and in the book the investigators are going in to a crime scene and I got mad at them because they were going to contaminate the crime scene by tracking mud in the house. Oh, yeah. IT WASN’T RAINING IN THE BOOK! THERE WAS NO MUD!!!

Sorry for yelling.

Now, you are going to think to yourself, “Well, if it is that good, I need to go out and buy this book and read it immediately.” Yes and no. Only if you have a good therapist on speed dial. I remember a time my mom said that she was going to stop reading John Grisham’s books because he couldn’t let the main characters truly be happy at the end of his books. Well, Mom, G. D. Wright says, “Hold my beer.” to Mr. Grisham. When I read the last couple of chapters of this book, I felt like Mr. Wright punched me in the gut. To be blunt, after reading the last page of the book, I felt like he had kicked me in the nether region. Multiple times. While wearing steel-toed boots. Double reinforced steel toes. With a bionic leg.

The mystery is seriously so good. The characters are written better than anyone else can write characters. You will feel their emotions. And there are a lot of emotions in this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

A spate of armed burglaries has taken place in Beachbrook, and the police are no closer to apprehending the culprits. Their investigation is taken up a notch when the most recent burglary leaves one person dead and another badly injured.

If you are about to start reading Against The Tide by G. D. Wright, I'd suggest you lock all the doors, draw the curtains and put your phone on silent, because once you start reading, you won't want to put this brilliant book down.

From the opening pages, the story packs an emotional punch and keeps you in its grip throughout. The book covers some hard-hitting themes, with one thought-provoking one in particular. These themes are handled in an extremely sympathetic manner, thanks to the empathetic writing of the author.

The book alternates between three main characters. Natalie Knight is the adult daughter of the couple involved in the most recent burglary. DC Vinny Robson is the police officer assigned as Natalie's FLO, and DS Sue Willmott is his boss. Alternating between three different characters keeps the pace flowing and results in some breath-catching cliffhanger moments.

Guilt is a big theme throughout the story. Natalie is wracked with guilt after finding a scene of utter devastation when she visits her parents; she keeps wondering if events would have been different if she'd visited earlier. Vinny is dealing with his own issues; his widowed mother is in a care home, suffering from dementia. Despite regular visits, he still feels that he needs to do more. DS Willmott is trying to balance family and work; not only does she feel guilty that she isn't always there for her young daughter, she is also struggling with moving on to a new relationship.

Throughout the story, I found my emotions bubbling to the surface on a regular basis. Anger flared following the opening scenes, and the historical events; however, sadness was the most prevalent emotion. Natalie receiving news of her mother in the hospital was heartbreaking, and one scene between Vinny and his mother was so reminiscent of what happened to my own mother that I felt tears welling.

As the conclusion neared, I could feel my anxiety rising, wondering how everything slotted together and how much more the lives of some of the characters would be impacted. The multiple twists at the end left me shocked, as the truth was finally revealed.

this was such a standout brilliant book. G.D.Wright manages to write such amazing books that somehow go deeper and get under your skin just that bit more. they go to that step higher in the emotional stakes way. G.D. is part of a very few author collective for me that can do crime books this way.Karin Slaughter has been another. they hit different and they hurt with how invested and heart tugging they can be( and i say hurt in the best way possibly for a reader).
this time we are focusing right onto DC Vinny who is having to act as a family liaison offer. and of course DS Sue is here too. and its so good to see her name back again. there are alot of moving parts here, but it never feels confusing or too much. infact it feels all the more real but there is often so many more layers, so many things going on alongside each other in real life.
Vinny is in his own life having to work his way through with his mum who's dementia like anyone with that condition is hard to see it happening to. when Vinny discovers some diaries of her it could be about to flip things on their head and change everything. his work and home life are enough to get anyone stressed not least when they might all begin to splurge into the other.
our officers are dealing with a brutal double murder. but with Vinny finding secrets from his own past, that his mother has kept in and away for so long, it feels like his world is tipping.
the way we get such a personal story going alongside the crime in this book is just what i mentioned before. G.D does this so well in his writing. adds that layer that hits harder and makes you care harder too. i of course wanted to know everything, i wanted to know what these buried truths were. but i also had that side of me that became quite protective of our characters so was worried for them when it all came out too.
the comradeary in this book is also once again top level writing. you feel like these folk have got each other back. there is those quite moments of strength this brings to what they all have to face in their job. the feeling like your not alone and part of something bigger, a support system, a team.
its this that makes you feel the other parts all the more. we have two completely opposites to what humans can do, are like. we see the evil and the down right yuckyness at play. but we all see the good, the folk that make the yuckyness feel possible to get through. and get through it they must if they are going t obring justice, keep people safe and keep themselves safe.
this was another standout book from a standout author. and as i read that back there was so many moments where i had to stop and just sit in the brilliance of this book. i loved it. i also really enjoyed how that title could mean so much more to moments in the book. for me it toally fit to so many elelements. and i really liked that added detail.

I am a real fan of G.D. Wright's books. Yes, if you look on a basic level, these are stories rooted in crimes, where the police are engaged in the progression of the story to more or less extent in each of the books. There are characters, particularly DS Sue Willmott, who link the novels as a series, but whilst Sue is key to the progres of each investigation, and we do get to know her on a personal as well as professional level, it is not a series about here. This time around though, there is a much higher level of involvement from the police and the book feels a touch more like your traditional police investigation based thriller. And yet, as will its predecessors, it is also so much more.

This time around the attention is focused on one of the police officers, DC Vinny Robson, who works alongside DS Willmott in Beachbrook, and who is going through a bit of a rough time on a personal level. His mother is succumbing to the latter stages of dementia, and balancing this against its work responsibilities is taking its toll. But that is only the start and when tasked with acting as the Family Liaison Officer to the daughter of two murder victims, no-one can realise how quickly this case is going to turn attention very close to home.

I like the way in which G.D. Wright has shaped this story, allowing us to follow the investigation into two very brutal murders, but also interjecting the action with snippets from a diary, the author of which is initially unclear but is soon revealed. As much as the murders and the daughter's reaction add that personal touch of emotion to the story, it is through the diary chapters and the realisation of what we are reading that the deep emotional core of the book develops. As readers we have far greater knowledge than the police as to the nature of what has happened, and some of the key scenes in the book come with a stark and hard hitting sense of realisation about what we are privy to. This is not played for shocks in any way, and whilst the darkest portions of what happens are kept off the page, the author elicited such deep emotions from what I was reading it was impossible not to be moved by all that came to pass.

The central case here is about the murders, utterly vicious and believed to be an escalation following a series of robberies. But there is always that sense that something is not quite right, and the suspense is there, building, from that very first scene, waiting for us, and the police, to make all the necessary links. the book is steeped in mystery and emotion, and some of the scenes in wich the key characters are consumed by grief and heart-wrenching realisations almost feel visceral at times, as does the empathy towards Willmott who navigates the difficult waters of being a single mother, dedicated to her job but also missing the most important moments of her child's life for the sake of the case. It gives the whole story a real sense of authetincity, as well as endearing the characters to me all the more.

I think that is what I like best about these books. They really are rooted in the everyday. Entirely plausible situations with characters who feel real. Feel like they could be someone you know and in whose success, or at the very least their futures, you are utterly invested in. And despite the heightened emotions at times in this book, there is also a whisper of romance and kinship that feeds from the start to end of the book, and the acknowledgment that family are more than those who connect to you through flesh and blood. A hard hitting, heartbreaking story at times, but one I was completely focused upon from the very first chapter. Definitely recommended.

Against The Tide begins with a home invasion that turns into a brutal attack on an elderly couple. Meanwhile, DC Vinny Robson is facing the hardships of his mother’s health decline, and DS Sue Willmott is thrown back into memories of her past with the arrival of a familiar face. Now having to solve the horrific murder case, DS Willmott and her team now have to juggle their personal lives alongside the gruelling and complex investigation. They could never have imagined how deep this one would take them, or how dark things were about to get.

I was very happy to be back with DS Willmott and her team, and I enjoyed that the focus was more on DC Robson in this book, and that we got to learn more about him and his background. The relationships and connections between the characters were at the forefront of this story, as well as playing a major role in the case itself, and those relationships bring real heart to the book.

There were so many twists and turns throughout the story to keep you on your toes. I knew that all of the individual stories would connect in some way, but every new revelation and connection delivered a gut punch that I could never have expected, with it all coming to a close in a surprising way that blew me away. The complexities of the case and the story as a whole might just be the best of the series so far.

The emotion and shock of this book had me in tears more than once, but I’m not surprised by that at all. G.D. Wright has the ability to hit you were it hurts most every single time, and at this point I have absolutely sobbed at every book he has written. That’s actually one of my favourite things about his books. Nobody else’s writing has ever made me feel so much emotion.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. It was exciting, explosive and emotional. A must read. Gary has easily become my favourite author, and I can not wait to see what he has in store for us next!

Holy moly! This book!!! I seen this on NetGalley and snapped the chance up to review before release and boy was I not disappointed. This book was incredible!!!! LOVED Vinny and DC Willmott. Felt so sorry for Vinny, the amount of heartache and bad news he had was unbelievable but it was well written and there was a bit of a silver lining, without revealing too much haha. It was suspenseful, thrilling and kept me wanting more. I demolished this in two sitting as I just couldn’t put it down and just wanted to keep turning the page to find out what is going on/happening. Thank you so much to NetGalley for approving my request to read this. It was a brilliant book😍

Against the Tide is a very, VERY good read. I felt it started very slowly though so it took a while for me to get fully into the story and its characters. I have always liked DS Wilmott from the authors previous books and here DC Vinny Robson is introduced. The police at Beachbrook investigate two violent murders alongside a series of burglaries with Wilmott and Robson on the cases. I like Vinny, he is believable, very relatable and I loved his work relationship and friendship with Wilmott. The authors writing is very engaging and lured me in right away, and after the slow start the story quickly gains pace. The author writes of difficult and emotive subjects with sensitivity and care and describes his characters thoughts and feelings so eloquently I had so much empathy for them. I thoroughly enjoyed following the police investigation, the plot is well thought out which goes off in an unexpected direction a few times that had me rethinking all I'd read before. The story is told through different characters which works well here and the plot moves from past to present times seamlessly. The ending I hope sets up the next book nicely and I will definitely want to read it.

I have enjoyed previous books by this author and Against the Tide is no different. It is a beautifully written book with characters that you will take to heart and root for, and I would recommend this.

4 stars

This crime thriller novel was fantastic and had it all! Tragic, twisty and a compelling read. I really enjoyed the writing style and have to admit, I did not see the clever ending coming at any point. Very dark and thrilling in equal measures. Highly recommended.

The author just knows how to write about family bonds and tragedy in the perfect way. I can only imagine how hard it is to slowly lose the most important person in your life before your eyes while they are still physically there. The slow loss of his mother and the fast pace of a murder investigation case are well encompassed and the formatting is great, with the use of the diary entries from Vinny’s mother and the POVs of Vinny, Natalie and DC Wilmott.

I did guess the main twist very early on, however I still could not put the book down, and it left me with questions right until the end.

Having read both of Gaz’s two other books, it was great to be back in Beachbrook and this is another great pageturner!

This time round, it is the brutal murder of an elderly couple the team is trying solve. Was it a burglary gone wrong or is there more to the case? As DC Vinny Robson and his colleagues try and put the pieces together, it becomes apparent that this could become more than personal. And once the truth is out, it could change everything. The question is would you always want to know the truth? And can murder ever be justified?

I really enjoy Gaz’s writing. Not only does he manage to keep you hooked throughout, I love how the fact that he is an ex police officer shines through the pages. The risks police officers take each day, the traumas they carry within their hearts and that special bond with their colleagues only they can truly understand, it all forms part of the story and it just adds another layer of depth and authenticity for me. The emotional side of this book is also one of its true strength for me: the characters are so well developed and so very human. We touch on so many aspects of life with true understanding and empathy. Another excellent book Gaz and out of the three probably my favourite even though I really liked the first two books as well.

(A small trigger warning to anyone this may affect: the book contains reference to rape and also dementia.)

Ad/PR - Against the Tide is another absolute knockout from the author - Our third trip to Beachbrook starts with a series of violent burglaries and quickly turns darker when an elderly couple are murdered.

I loved being back in DS Wilmot’s world, but especially loved getting more of DC Vinny Robson this time. Vinny’s relationship with his mum added so much emotion to the story, and alongside Natalie trying to cope after tragedy and Sue attempting to move forward after loss…yeah, this one is basically a big ball of feelings. Gaz really knows how to write crime thrillers that are tense, gripping, and pacy while emotionally destroying you at the same time. There is a brilliant cast of characters with loads of depth. They feel very real (I can definitely appreciate Sue’s constant mum guilt!)

The multiple POVs worked brilliantly, and I loved the diary entries woven through the story. There were twists right up until the epilogue and every time I thought I’d figured things out, bam, he pulled the rug out from under me again.

The subject matter is pretty tough at times, and parts of it hit a bit close to home for me personally, but it’s handled with a lot of care and sensitivity throughout.

Brilliantly done. Loved it, and really hope we get more Beachbrook books. Take a bow, Mr Wright.

Thank you to @avonbooksuk for the ARC

Against the Tide is 18th June. Go preorder it 👏

Another book with heart. Fast paced, unputdownable and quickly becoming one of my favourite detective series. A great novel full of interesting characters

This series gets better with each new instalment. GD Wright is a very good writer and the stories are gripping. The principal characters are well portrayed, the setting is evocative and the plots are always intriguing. DS Sue Willmot is a sympathetic character who manages to juggle a demanding job with family life, and here she works with DC Vinny Robson, whose investigation into the murder of an old couple becomes very personal.

Against The Tide by G. D. Wright is one of those crime thrillers that grabs hold of you early on and refuses to let go. Set against a series of violent burglaries in Beachbrook, the story becomes even more intense when the latest attack leaves one victim dead and another seriously injured.

What really stood out to me wasn’t just the investigation itself, but the emotional depth behind every character. The story moves between Natalie Knight, whose parents become victims of the attack, DC Vinny Robson, the family liaison officer supporting her through the aftermath, and DS Sue Willmott, who is trying to juggle the pressures of work and family life. Each perspective added something different and kept the tension building throughout.

The book explores grief, guilt, trauma, and family relationships in such a realistic and sensitive way. Some scenes were genuinely heartbreaking, especially the moments involving Vinny and his mother suffering with dementia. It added so much humanity to the story beyond the crime element.

The pacing was brilliant, the cliffhangers kept me turning pages, and the ending delivered twists I honestly didn’t see coming. Emotional, gripping, and incredibly well written this is a thriller that leaves a lasting impact long after you finish it.

Wow!

Against The Tide follows DC Vinny Robson and DS Sue Wilmott who are investigating a spate of robberies. When an elderly couple are found to have been violently attacked and murdered in their home, the investigation takes a new turn.

This book was soooo good! I was gripped from the off. I enjoyed seeing DS Wilmott and DC Robson again (have been characters in G D Wrights previous crime books After The Storm and Into The Fire)

I loved how the story took on new twists as it unfolded and I loved the diary entries. I was convinced I had figured out what was going on and then bam! That Epilogue chapter!!!

This author is a brilliant storyteller, and his knowledge of police procedures shows. This is one I’d highly recommend picking up!

Huge thanks to Avon books, Netgalley for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.

When an elderly couple is found murdered at their home, DC Vinny Robinson's life as he knows it will come to a screeching halt. He just doesn't know it yet. Somehow, these victims are connected to his own family. The story alternates via chapters from the points-of-view from Vinny to Natalie, the daughter of the murder victims, and DS Wilmott.

Vinny's family is a closet full of skeletons. He really does end up facing the tide, fighting the undertow and trying not to drown from everything that's coming his way. There is absolutely no way you won't feel for this character. Especially if you have experience with people with dementia. The moments Vinny shares with his mother, Mary, hit hard sometimes.

Despite what the book description says, Vinny and his boss do not discover his mother's diaries until the latter part of the book, and it's entirely coincidental. But the reader does get glimpses into Mary's thoughts over the years, allowing us to try and piece together the puzzle of this mystery. I was on the right track for most of it but there were still a few reveals that felt like a punch to the stomach.

'Against The Tide' isn't always an easy story to read. Wright tackles a few difficult topics and I often found myself struggling with a lump in my throat. Some things are truly heartbreaking, but Wright never overdramatised or underplayed any of it. It all came across as realistic and believable. If I could have hugged Vinny and Natalie, I totally would have done so.

That said, I did have some niggles. Personally, I feel the story could have been a little shorter. There are parts towards the end that dragged a bit for me. I also thought that DS Wilmott's chapters were unnecessary and brought little, if anything, to the story. She seemed to just lament the fact that her job kept her away from her daughter, and functioned as some sort of emotional support for Vinny. Apart from that, I'm also stuck with the idea that one or two things - in hindsight - just didn't quite make sense to me.

'Against The Tide' shows, once again, that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors. And that, as children, we might have a skewed perspective of our parents, or their marriage, or even our own childhood. Both Natalie and Vinny are dealing with the loss of their parents, who were taken from them in very different ways.

I always say I don't appreciate it when my crime fiction is on the verge of making me shed a tear or two. But the truth is, I absolutely appreciate the depth, the insight, and the emotional impact authors like Wright can achieve. It's not just about solving a crime. It's about characters navigating a new reality and about living through the aftermath of something truly horrific. It undoubtedly makes for a compelling and absorbing read as it's near impossible not to become invested.

This was my first introduction to G.D Wright, even though I've had his previous book on my shelves for ages. It's a tad odd to use the word "enjoyed" considering the heavy topics, but I liked this one and this will definitely not be the last time I pick up a book by this author.

What an emotional read. G.D.Wright is back to his best.
An elderly couple are murdered in their own home. What is the motive?
An immersive read that takes us through some tough journeys.
Vinny Robson is the detective assigned as FLO to the daughter of the murdered couple. They were at school together, she is a therapist, and Vinny found himself opening up about his mums dementia.
Throughout the book, we read Vinny's mum's diary, which takes us back to when she was carrying Vinny and her closeness to best friend Mags.
I loved this. It was a real rollercoaster of emotions.
I thought I had it all sewn up, but no, there were some twists at the end.
Th pacing of the book is spot on and kept me engrossed throughout.
I highly recommend this one.
Thanks to Netgalley. Auto approved for Avon Books UK. This is my honest opinion on the book.

I thought this book was great. DC Vinnie Robson is given the role of family liason officer when an elderly couple are murdered. As the investigation progresses it takes him much closer to home. This book is a real mix of well written police procedural and a family drama/thriller. I thought it was really well done. Fast paced and gripping but emotional too. I really liked the characters and their interactions with each other. I will definitely look to read the authors other books. I do like a police procedural but this one has stood out and I’d definitely recommend it. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

Against the tide G D Wright Is book 3 D S Sue Wilmot series and it is the authors best one yet.
In the small town of BeechBrook there has been a series of home invasions where an elderly couple has been brutally murdered. DS Vinny Robson is investigating the deaths in the town which is also his hometown. But when he digs deeper, he finds that there is something more sinister at play that links to his own family which leaves him horrified.
Once again, GD Wright has written another blinder of a read. It’s emotional read and drew me in from the first page. The storyline was gripping and the characters were well developed, and I liked the work relationship between them DS Wilmot and Vinny. This was quite shocking in parts but that didn’t deter me and read it in nearly one sitting. Like the predecessor of books in the series, This I another fantastic read and can’t ait to see what happens next. 5 stars from me.

This was a really gripping crime thriller with a lot more emotional depth than I expected.
The story follows DC Vinny Robson investigating the murder of an elderly couple in his hometown, only for the case to become deeply connected to his own family and past. I liked that it balanced the police procedural side with the more personal story without losing the tension.
The pacing is strong and there are plenty of twists throughout, but what stood out most was the emotional side of the book. Some moments genuinely hit quite hard and it definitely has that “just one more chapter” feel.
A few parts felt slightly overdramatic at times, but overall I was really invested in finding out the truth and the ending was worth it.
A tense, emotional thriller that keeps pulling the rug out from under you. I haven't read more of this series but definitely will

Look, I’ve read so many thrillers and police procedurals that I’m hard to please - they can become predictable fast. Not this. I LOVED it.

Told from multiple perspectives, mainly that of DC Vinny Robson, who is investigating a double murder. The case takes a devastating turn that cuts straight through his own family.

The interwoven storylines unravel brilliantly with twists and gut punches right until the very end. Absolutely gripping!

But what really set this apart for me was the characters. There was so much emotional depth and so many layers. I genuinely can’t believe how much I cared about Vinny. So, so well written.

The relationships are so complex and enduring - beautifully done.

I think I cried twice. I don't know that a thriller has ever emotionally wrecked me until now!

Against the Tide was a dark and deliciously twisty thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister and the like. Set in a small coastal town in the south of the UK rocked by the brutal murder of an elderly couple. The investigation brings nothing but questions, and strains the police involved professionally, and personally.

It took me a while to get invested into this story, as the author has a distinct voice and pattern of thinking that just didn't jive with me at first, but the first twist pulled me right back in. Without spoiling anything it's hard to describe how gripping the story is, but what really captured my attention was the blurring of lines between the professional and personal lives of the people involved. The characters felt raw and real in a way most authors have trouble capturing on page.

I also appreciated that while I had some strong suspicion of the ending about 20% in- it did not end up being quite so simple in the end. The plot was exquisitely messy and I loved that the drama and suspense of it lasted right up until the epilogue.

Thank you to the AVON for the Advance Reader Copy I received for review through NetGalley!

I didn't think Gary could equal his last book. I was so wrong, he's hit this one out of the park.
I guessed the outcome, second-guessed, third and fourth guessed and still didn't see the whole picture. I cant imagine how busy the inside of the authors brain must be.
A truly brilliant book, the characters are brought to life and with the main character Vinny, you feel every emotion, like a body blow.
I 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves a good crime novel.

#NetGalley #AvonBooks #GDWright #AgainstTheTide

Against the Tide is another hugely enjoyable police procedural with many twists and turns from G. D. Wright which was a great read and one that I would definitely recommend.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Well it's a hat trick of 5 star reads from GD Wright as he has whacked the third instalment of his DS Willmot books right out of the park. This is a hard hitting and compelling story which centres around a brutal double murder running alongside a haunting plot of long ago secrets. DC Vinny Robson takes centre stage in this one as he finds his past turned on its head. The writing is sublime, the plot perfectly executed and the heartbreak and emotion is delivered in Gary's trademark way. When you think it's all over the author throws in one massive curveball - what an ending, left me breathless. An outstanding read