The Rising Tide

A reunion of students held every five years on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) turns into a location for murder. The group first met on the island when they were in 6th form at school, fifty years earlier. Each year Philip Robson, Ken Hampton, and his wife, Louise, Annie Laidler and Rick Kelsall stay at Pilgrim's House for the weekend, go for walks, attend a meditation session at the chapel each evening, eat, consume lots of alcohol and reminisce. 

Rick had recently lost his television job when he was accused of sexual assault by a young intern. However he now had a new project which he revealed to his friends at the retreat - he is going to write a novel based on the events at the first reunion when one of the group drowned while attempting to cross the causeway at high tide. Next morning he is found dead in his room.

When Vera and her team go to the island to investigate they soon discover that there are many secrets to uncover involving an extended range of people associated with the victim, not just those on the island. Vera also wants to know more about the death that occurred forty-five years earlier as it may have a bearing on the present case as well as the assault allegations brought against Rick. As the investigation continues a second murder occurs and Vera and her team discover that they are also in danger.  

The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves is another excellent installment in the Vera Stanhope series (number 10). The atmospheric setting along with a collection of well drawn characters add to the suspense of finding the murderer before more people die.

This book formed the basis of an episode of Vera shown in Australia the week before Christmas 2023.