Rings on Water

 

Rings on Water is another terrific crime novel by Madeleine Eskedahl set in the picturesque Matakana area of New Zealand.

After an accident in his home police officer Bill is pleased to hear that Niko, the young South Auckland constable, is once again being sent to help out while Bill recovers from a couple of broken ribs. 

Bill’s wife, Annika, is preparing an exhibition of her latest paintings. At her early morning yoga class Annika meets Crystal who has recently arrived in the area with her partner, the mysterious Andrei. 

Thus the stage is set for a story filled with superbly realised descriptions of life in a popular tourist destination in the off-season. I could almost feel the cold, wet atmosphere seeping into my bones as I read and I was always grateful when one of the characters put on a jumper and thick socks or stopped for a cup of hot coffee. Crime, of course, doesn’t have an off season and Bill doesn’t get much time to relax while his ribs heal.

The story held my rapt attention all the way through to the dramatic, action-packed ending. This is a book for anyone who loves a good, well plotted murder mystery with interesting and believable characters and where the location and the weather are equal contributors.

News that there is another instalment in the Matakana series on the way is very exciting! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Published by Matheson Bay Press