The Devil and the Dark Water
Set in 1634, "The Devil and the Dark Water" takes readers on a thrilling voyage filled with mystery and supernatural elements. Samuel Pipps, the world’s greatest detective, is being transported to Amsterdam to face execution for a crime he may not have committed. Alongside him is his loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes, and the intelligent noblewoman, Sara Wessel.
Sara stood out as a fantastic FMC due to her intellect and determination and her relationship with Arent was great to see blossom. I loved how Arent treated her like a partner and believed her when others questioned her remarks as just "being a woman." Pipps’ Sherlock-like personality added a fun touch to the story and made me root for his survival—also, the isolated setting of the ocean added to the intensity of the plot.
What I loved:
Sara + Arent
The Setting
The Mystery
While I guessed part of the reveal, the twists I didn’t see coming left me shocked. The multitude of characters sometimes made it confusing to keep track of who was who, but it was a minor issue in an otherwise great read. The ending felt a bit rushed after the big reveal, but it was still satisfying and well worth the journey.
If you enjoy a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural elements, this book is a must-read. Now, I only wish we could have another book in this series after the big reveal. If you’ve read this, you’ll know exactly what I mean!
