Revenge of the Tide

Revenge of the Tide (also titled Dark Tide) is the second novel by British author and former police intelligence analyst, Elizabeth Haynes. After five months of living on her Dutch-built barge, "Revenge of the Tide" on the Medway in Kent, Genevieve Shipley decides to have a boat-warming party. She invites her neighbours in the marina, her colleagues from her former sales job, and a friend from the club she used to dance at. Most guests enjoy themselves, although Caddy, her club friend never shows.

In the pre-dawn hours of the following morning, Gen investigates a noise outside and discovers Caddy's body in the water next to her boat. Other disturbing incidents (security lights disabled, a pet cat brutally slain, footprints in the mud, unfamiliar cars) lead Gen to wonder if her former employer at the dance club is responsible. After all, while she tried to steer clear of involvement, there were some dangerous types amongst the clientele.

Haynes splits the narrative into two time periods: present day, and about one year earlier, which, while not marked, are easily distinguished by characters and context. Thus events that led to Caddy's death and what followed are gradually revealed. Her plot is original and believable, with a few twists and an exciting climax. Haynes research into living aboard and pole dancing is seamlessly incorporated into this gripping page-turner.