Ruin Beach

The island of Tresco holds a dark secret someone will kill to protect.

Ben Kitto has become Deputy Commander in the Isles of Scilly Police. As the islands’ lazy summer takes hold, he finds himself missing the excitement of the murder squad in London. But when the body of professional diver Jude Trellon is discovered, anchored to the rocks of a nearby cave, his investigative skills are once again needed.

At first, it appears that the young woman’s death was a tragic accident, but when evidence suggests otherwise, the islanders close ranks. With even those closest to the victim refusing to talk, it seems that plenty of islanders had reason to harm her. As the community remains guarded, Ben Kitto discovers that terrible secrets lie beneath the waters around Tresco, and the killer may soon strike again.

Everyone is a suspect.

Nobody is safe.

Praise for Kate Rhodes:

'Kate Rhodes directs her cast of suspects with consummate skill, keeping us guessing right to the heartbreaking end. I'm a fan' Louise Candlish

'Evocative, immersive, twisty' Sarah Vaughan

‘A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline’ Sophie Hannah, Daily Express

‘A pacy psychological thriller’ Laura Wilson, Guardian

'Kate writes so beautifully and with such an authentic sense of place. The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland' Melanie McGrath

‘Both the plot and the writing keep one thoroughly engaged throughout’ Daily Mail

‘One of the most absorbing books I've read in a long time - perfectly thrilling’ Mel Sherratt

‘Gripping, clever and impossible to put down’ Erin Kelly

‘Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets with an uplifting evocation of setting’ Jake Kerridge, Sunday Express

‘Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story’ Metro

‘An enjoyably scary chiller’ Sunday Mirror

‘The pace never slackens from the first page to the last’ Rachel Abbott, author of Only the Innocent

‘Fast paced and harrowing, this gripping novel will leave you guessing until the end’ Bella

‘Great twists, turns and surprises’ Sun