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DCI Jack Hawksworth #4
Dead Tide
Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth of Scotland Yard has headed up three major serial operations and in each of these cases it seems he has lost a part of himself. He is burnt out and taken a shift sideways for a while, taking on a low-profile role of desk investigator out of London that’s looking into whether a global crime scam exists.
But when a number of young women start returning home ill and dying after travels in Europe, Jack uncovers a shocking black-market operation, with links that lead him all the way to a crime syndicate in South Australia ...
But when a number of young women start returning home ill and dying after travels in Europe, Jack uncovers a shocking black-market operation, with links that lead him all the way to a crime syndicate in South Australia ...
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2023
167 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
67 books1,913 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 22, 2023
Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth was teaching his craft at the local university in London, when one of his students, Amelia, lost her life after a weekend away. As he looked into her death, with the approval of his boss, he discovered a black-market scheme which seemed to originate in Europe and spread over the world, even into Australia. His sister lived in Sydney so he combined a holiday to see her, while working undercover as a journalist.
Adelaide was a beautiful city but the underbelly of crime rippled through it, just like in other cities in the world. Jack was determined to discover the person/s responsible for Amelia's death, and the deaths of so many others, and once he'd uncovered the evidence he needed, the joint task force of the UK and Australia would take over. But would he get close enough to find the answers?
Dead Tide is the 4th in the DCI Jack Hawksworth series by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh and WOW! I loved it (as did my husband before me) Jack is a strong, determined character who has plenty of caring and kindness in his nature. Tension lined the pages and the pace was electric. I'm looking forward to book #5 which I hope is already in the pipeline. Highly recommended.
Adelaide was a beautiful city but the underbelly of crime rippled through it, just like in other cities in the world. Jack was determined to discover the person/s responsible for Amelia's death, and the deaths of so many others, and once he'd uncovered the evidence he needed, the joint task force of the UK and Australia would take over. But would he get close enough to find the answers?
Dead Tide is the 4th in the DCI Jack Hawksworth series by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh and WOW! I loved it (as did my husband before me) Jack is a strong, determined character who has plenty of caring and kindness in his nature. Tension lined the pages and the pace was electric. I'm looking forward to book #5 which I hope is already in the pipeline. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
I’m excited that DCI Jack Hawksworth is back with us again for Dead Tide (Book #4), I find him such an intriguing and likeable character. There is plenty of action and mystery in this new crime thriller by Fiona McIntosh.
In this episode our handsome hero Jack’s on sabbatical from police work as a guest lecturer at London University whilst recovering from injury on his last case. Disturbingly one of Jack’s female students dies suddenly and painfully which leads Jack all the way to sunny Australia on a new investigation involving black market activities in precious human eggs and a crime syndicate preying on vulnerable young women and childless couples.
Jack integrates himself amongst the major suspects including a suspicious and troubled housewife who unknowingly assists Jack with his inquiries.
I absolutely loved the coastal setting on the beautiful York Peninsula in Wallaroo, South Australia and the way the author vividly describes various parts of my hometown Adelaide (so cool) and some of its icons. I just knew Haighs Chocolates factory would get a mention, a firm favourite!
The research is impeccable and the plot enthralling. Just how far will people be willing to go to pay for a human life?
This is a gritty, engaging thriller that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
Jack will soon be coming to our TV screens, stay tuned!
Publication Date 17 January 2023
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for an early copy of the book to read.
I’m excited that DCI Jack Hawksworth is back with us again for Dead Tide (Book #4), I find him such an intriguing and likeable character. There is plenty of action and mystery in this new crime thriller by Fiona McIntosh.
In this episode our handsome hero Jack’s on sabbatical from police work as a guest lecturer at London University whilst recovering from injury on his last case. Disturbingly one of Jack’s female students dies suddenly and painfully which leads Jack all the way to sunny Australia on a new investigation involving black market activities in precious human eggs and a crime syndicate preying on vulnerable young women and childless couples.
Jack integrates himself amongst the major suspects including a suspicious and troubled housewife who unknowingly assists Jack with his inquiries.
I absolutely loved the coastal setting on the beautiful York Peninsula in Wallaroo, South Australia and the way the author vividly describes various parts of my hometown Adelaide (so cool) and some of its icons. I just knew Haighs Chocolates factory would get a mention, a firm favourite!
The research is impeccable and the plot enthralling. Just how far will people be willing to go to pay for a human life?
This is a gritty, engaging thriller that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
Jack will soon be coming to our TV screens, stay tuned!
Publication Date 17 January 2023
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for an early copy of the book to read.
September 2, 2023
Jack is back, after the last book Jack has taken some time off and has been teaching at university and loving it but when one of his promising students dies suddenly Jack decides to investigate, what he finds shocks him and soon he is on the trail of a black market syndicate which is operating all over the world.
Jack arrives in Australia undercover as a journalist determined to get the answers he needs, he first must go under the radar to build up a case before a joint task force can be set up and soon he is building one, he finds someone he believes to be one of the instigators, now he needs to talk to him or someone close to him to get the answers he needs.
Another fabulous book in this series, Jack again gets very close to the case and uncovers the facts he needs but there is danger when the leader is determined to not get caught, it was so hard to put this one down, it is a page turner and one that I do highly recommend, I would also recommend reading the whole series to really get to know Jack and his special personality, he such a gentleman.
This one touches on problem that faces many woman today and was done really well and of course the setting is wonderful, don’t miss this one. I am hoping there is another book not too far away.
Jack arrives in Australia undercover as a journalist determined to get the answers he needs, he first must go under the radar to build up a case before a joint task force can be set up and soon he is building one, he finds someone he believes to be one of the instigators, now he needs to talk to him or someone close to him to get the answers he needs.
Another fabulous book in this series, Jack again gets very close to the case and uncovers the facts he needs but there is danger when the leader is determined to not get caught, it was so hard to put this one down, it is a page turner and one that I do highly recommend, I would also recommend reading the whole series to really get to know Jack and his special personality, he such a gentleman.
This one touches on problem that faces many woman today and was done really well and of course the setting is wonderful, don’t miss this one. I am hoping there is another book not too far away.
January 8, 2023
I broke one of my reading rules in picking up Dead Tide… this Is book 4 in the series and the first that I have read. I found that I didn’t have an issue though, I am now intrigued to find out what else has happened to Jack. This was also my first Fiona McIntosh book and I throughly enjoyed it.
A fantastic crime/police procedural book set mostly in South Australia. I loved the setting, having visited Adelaide for only a long weekend, I feel that I now need to see more of the state. The main character Jack I was such an interesting man. He is an English, coffee snob, tall dark and handsome. And very good at his job. I have heard that this book is being made into a film, I picture someone like Richard Armitage as Jack.
Jack is in a sabbatical from work, and has been lecturing at a London University. When one of his students suddenly dies, under suspicious circumstances, he does some digging. This leads him to the other side of the world to investigate a possible international crime syndicate that is preying on vulnerable women and couples who are desperate for a baby. Along with local authorities, he starts to out the pieces together of this slick operation.
I really enjoyed my first adventure with Jack and look forward to reading the previous 3 books now. Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy. Dead Tide publishes on January 17th.
A fantastic crime/police procedural book set mostly in South Australia. I loved the setting, having visited Adelaide for only a long weekend, I feel that I now need to see more of the state. The main character Jack I was such an interesting man. He is an English, coffee snob, tall dark and handsome. And very good at his job. I have heard that this book is being made into a film, I picture someone like Richard Armitage as Jack.
Jack is in a sabbatical from work, and has been lecturing at a London University. When one of his students suddenly dies, under suspicious circumstances, he does some digging. This leads him to the other side of the world to investigate a possible international crime syndicate that is preying on vulnerable women and couples who are desperate for a baby. Along with local authorities, he starts to out the pieces together of this slick operation.
I really enjoyed my first adventure with Jack and look forward to reading the previous 3 books now. Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy. Dead Tide publishes on January 17th.
March 6, 2023
2.5 rounded down
The new Jack Hawksworth novel brings him to South Australia on the trail of a black-market human fertility ring. There are the expected murders along the way.
This was an okay read, not badly written as such but I had three main problems. First up, at almost 400 pages, it was about 150 pages too long. And those pages bring me to my second point - they could easily have been lost by cutting the information dump/tourist board blurbs about South Australia that, for me, were far to effusive and detailed, and I am a South Australian! The book did not benefit from them. They did not drive the plot or add to the characters. Finally, I think I am a bit over Jack. I have grown tired of reading about how handsome he is, how every woman falls at his feet, and about the relationships he stupidly seems to keep falling, or almost falling into with characters who are inevitably closely linked to the crimes being investigated.
Glad the author's loyal fans continue to love her books but this reader needs a rest from them.
The new Jack Hawksworth novel brings him to South Australia on the trail of a black-market human fertility ring. There are the expected murders along the way.
This was an okay read, not badly written as such but I had three main problems. First up, at almost 400 pages, it was about 150 pages too long. And those pages bring me to my second point - they could easily have been lost by cutting the information dump/tourist board blurbs about South Australia that, for me, were far to effusive and detailed, and I am a South Australian! The book did not benefit from them. They did not drive the plot or add to the characters. Finally, I think I am a bit over Jack. I have grown tired of reading about how handsome he is, how every woman falls at his feet, and about the relationships he stupidly seems to keep falling, or almost falling into with characters who are inevitably closely linked to the crimes being investigated.
Glad the author's loyal fans continue to love her books but this reader needs a rest from them.
October 5, 2024
I had not heard of Fiona McIntosh till I read recommendations of her by Goodread friends. I had not read the previous Jack Hawksworth books which was not essential but would have been advantageous to understand many of Jack’s previous significant others, I listened to the audio book version of the story.
The story was OK, but I do agree with comments made by others. The characters were a bit one dimensional. Coincidence played a major role in the investigation. The story just falls into place too neatly. Clues and information fall conveniently into Jack’s lap. This master sleuth certainly has luck on his side. An example was the meeting with Jem which was concoted expediently. I found the climax went on too long. The ending was a mixture of murder and matrimonial discourse by characters who wouldn’t look out of place at a Saturday junior soccer game. I can see murder and violence being part of South American drug lords but doctors and housewives? A bit of a stretch…..
The protagonist is DCI Jack Hawksworth, an English policeman who has been able to wrangle a trip Down Under to work on a case involving a young woman who was in his criminology class and she had suddenly died. His pre-departure meeting with the female senior officer was one of the most contrived scenes in the book. Jack is everywoman’s dream of what they would want in a man: suave, handsome, caring, charming, sophisticated, empathetic, understanding, thoughtful, literate – definitely a figment of the female author’s mind!
At times it does read like a travel brochure, but for many non-Australians that is probably a plus. Think Dave Robicheaux in New Iberia, Jack Rebus in Edinburgh and Cliff Hardy in Sydney. Readers might like to have a copy of Google maps to check up on the many locations in South Australia that McIntosh mentions. They will certainly know the names of the so-called ‘top schools’ of Adelaide. I wonder if the reader is suppose to be envious of the bourgeoise world she describes?
When Jack goes to Wallaroo she mentions Port Lincoln, she then goes onto write about Port Lincoln’s favourite son, Olympian Dean Lukin. Why she had to write about Lukin’s arrest over cannabis possession, where no conviction was recorded is beyond me? Where were her editors? How was that relevant to the story?
While at Wallaroo McIntosh dips into Mills and Boon territory and we see Jack at his primeval best. He is just like any other 50+ man, a randy old bastard who can’t say no when it is dished up on a platter. He has sex with Jem. Give me a break!
The theme of In Vitro Fertilisation and the selling of human eggs and the susceptibility of women and men searching for the means of conceiving was an interesting plot.
There were incidentals about Jack that appealed to me. His love of brewed coffee and real tea. his disdain for the instant crap. His knowledge and appreciation of language and history. (See his explanation of ‘short shift’.)
It was interesting how the author had three characters at different times being the central story tellers, we hear those parts of the book from their point of view (POV). They have several internal monolgues and then McIntosh kills them off. The author usually creates distance between readers and characters they are about to do in.
I had a wry smile on my face as I began listening to this book. I was seated on a Thai Airways flight to Bangkok thinking the exact same things as Greg. “Damn I hope no one sits in the seats next to me,” and as with Greg mywish was not fulfilled.
I thought Dead Tide wasn’t too bad. There was little tension and the deaths were dealt with expediently. I found it difficult to accept that this international smuggling ring was run by such a group of light weights. I had many questions in my mind about the feasibility of much of the story. It was a pleasant undemanding read, but in my case a listen.
The story was OK, but I do agree with comments made by others. The characters were a bit one dimensional. Coincidence played a major role in the investigation. The story just falls into place too neatly. Clues and information fall conveniently into Jack’s lap. This master sleuth certainly has luck on his side. An example was the meeting with Jem which was concoted expediently. I found the climax went on too long. The ending was a mixture of murder and matrimonial discourse by characters who wouldn’t look out of place at a Saturday junior soccer game. I can see murder and violence being part of South American drug lords but doctors and housewives? A bit of a stretch…..
The protagonist is DCI Jack Hawksworth, an English policeman who has been able to wrangle a trip Down Under to work on a case involving a young woman who was in his criminology class and she had suddenly died. His pre-departure meeting with the female senior officer was one of the most contrived scenes in the book. Jack is everywoman’s dream of what they would want in a man: suave, handsome, caring, charming, sophisticated, empathetic, understanding, thoughtful, literate – definitely a figment of the female author’s mind!
At times it does read like a travel brochure, but for many non-Australians that is probably a plus. Think Dave Robicheaux in New Iberia, Jack Rebus in Edinburgh and Cliff Hardy in Sydney. Readers might like to have a copy of Google maps to check up on the many locations in South Australia that McIntosh mentions. They will certainly know the names of the so-called ‘top schools’ of Adelaide. I wonder if the reader is suppose to be envious of the bourgeoise world she describes?
When Jack goes to Wallaroo she mentions Port Lincoln, she then goes onto write about Port Lincoln’s favourite son, Olympian Dean Lukin. Why she had to write about Lukin’s arrest over cannabis possession, where no conviction was recorded is beyond me? Where were her editors? How was that relevant to the story?
While at Wallaroo McIntosh dips into Mills and Boon territory and we see Jack at his primeval best. He is just like any other 50+ man, a randy old bastard who can’t say no when it is dished up on a platter. He has sex with Jem. Give me a break!
The theme of In Vitro Fertilisation and the selling of human eggs and the susceptibility of women and men searching for the means of conceiving was an interesting plot.
There were incidentals about Jack that appealed to me. His love of brewed coffee and real tea. his disdain for the instant crap. His knowledge and appreciation of language and history. (See his explanation of ‘short shift’.)
It was interesting how the author had three characters at different times being the central story tellers, we hear those parts of the book from their point of view (POV). They have several internal monolgues and then McIntosh kills them off. The author usually creates distance between readers and characters they are about to do in.
I had a wry smile on my face as I began listening to this book. I was seated on a Thai Airways flight to Bangkok thinking the exact same things as Greg. “Damn I hope no one sits in the seats next to me,” and as with Greg mywish was not fulfilled.
I thought Dead Tide wasn’t too bad. There was little tension and the deaths were dealt with expediently. I found it difficult to accept that this international smuggling ring was run by such a group of light weights. I had many questions in my mind about the feasibility of much of the story. It was a pleasant undemanding read, but in my case a listen.
February 19, 2023
I have read the first three in this series and obviously enjoyed them - I would not have gone to No.4 otherwise.
What a disappointment.
It is perhaps 50% story and 50% travelogue. This book is all about South Australia- where to go, what schools your children should attend, all the Aussie colloquiums.
I realize the author lives n South Australia. However, it all became a little “twee” after a while.
And I am an Aussie.
What a disappointment.
It is perhaps 50% story and 50% travelogue. This book is all about South Australia- where to go, what schools your children should attend, all the Aussie colloquiums.
I realize the author lives n South Australia. However, it all became a little “twee” after a while.
And I am an Aussie.
January 30, 2023
2 stars
If this book was half as long it would still has been twice as long as needed.
So many backstories, details that are irrelevant. Dragged and boring.
If this book was half as long it would still has been twice as long as needed.
So many backstories, details that are irrelevant. Dragged and boring.
January 6, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
UK based Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth has a case that leads him to Australia.
A fertility scam that has resulted in deaths and exploitation of those desperate to become parents sees Jack visit South Australia.
Trafficking mules take a risk with the law, their health and by association with the corrupt ringleaders.
A death in London evokes an investigation and a trail to a death in South Australia. Smuggling human eggs and embryos the connection.
Jack has traced the illegal activity to a port off the coast and a clinic in Adelaide.
The balmy Autumnal weather, clean and non congested streets and a lifestyle that looks desirable greets him.
His sleuthing has him on the trail and he infiltrates himself among the suspects.
The criminal element are disguised among the upper class and socially connected but are driven by greed and pose danger when cornered.
Will Jack take his newly tanned legs back to grey UK?
A tame but well written crime suspense that had me intrigued and keen to solve the mystery.
I really enjoyed Jack’s take on the beauty of our country and it’s people.
I also enjoyed the obvious nepotism and bias Fiona has for her beloved home state.
Her research is impeccable and her story telling is phenomenal.
The plight and determination some couples have to procreate is real and the lengths they go to is surreal.
UK based Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth has a case that leads him to Australia.
A fertility scam that has resulted in deaths and exploitation of those desperate to become parents sees Jack visit South Australia.
Trafficking mules take a risk with the law, their health and by association with the corrupt ringleaders.
A death in London evokes an investigation and a trail to a death in South Australia. Smuggling human eggs and embryos the connection.
Jack has traced the illegal activity to a port off the coast and a clinic in Adelaide.
The balmy Autumnal weather, clean and non congested streets and a lifestyle that looks desirable greets him.
His sleuthing has him on the trail and he infiltrates himself among the suspects.
The criminal element are disguised among the upper class and socially connected but are driven by greed and pose danger when cornered.
Will Jack take his newly tanned legs back to grey UK?
A tame but well written crime suspense that had me intrigued and keen to solve the mystery.
I really enjoyed Jack’s take on the beauty of our country and it’s people.
I also enjoyed the obvious nepotism and bias Fiona has for her beloved home state.
Her research is impeccable and her story telling is phenomenal.
The plight and determination some couples have to procreate is real and the lengths they go to is surreal.
March 19, 2023
An intriguing plot and great setting, but I found the characters cliched and uninteresting. Yet again, women are throwing themselves at the too-good-to-be-true Jack Hawksworth as he manages to almost single-handedly solve the case. I think four Jack Hawksworth novels are enough for me.
February 1, 2023
Great South Australian crime read!
January 5, 2023
Dead Tide by Fiona McIntosh is the fourth in the popular DCI Jack Hawksworth series and when it opens Jack is lecturing at University while recovering from injuries resulting from his last outing.
He very much stumbles across the case he pursues in this book, one which takes him from Scotland Yard to Australia where the majority of this book is set.
This would be a good read for bookclubs, as - other than some murders to cover up the trafficking of 'human biomaterials' - there's some discussion about whether, what the 'group' we meet here are doing, is wrong or unethical. If not legal.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
He very much stumbles across the case he pursues in this book, one which takes him from Scotland Yard to Australia where the majority of this book is set.
This would be a good read for bookclubs, as - other than some murders to cover up the trafficking of 'human biomaterials' - there's some discussion about whether, what the 'group' we meet here are doing, is wrong or unethical. If not legal.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
August 3, 2023
Jack Hawksworth from Scotland Yard has come to little ol’ South Australia, home of the gruesome murder, to poke around in the illegal trade of human reproductive material. Jack is very handsome and charming and smart so he has to fend off women as well as evil operatives but it’s all in a days work for this smooth mover. I enjoyed the trip to Adelaide and Yorke Peninsula where the settings and people felt very genuine. The narrator of the audiobook, Jerome Pride, had a tough job tackling all the different characters and I was glad he didn’t try a cringey Aussie accent, sticking to a kind of generic English (maybe a bit Northern?) for the Aussies. It was acceptable once I got used to him. The story easily hooked me in and I was taking every opportunity to listen. This is the fourth book in the series but my first so I might have to go back to number one for a bit more of Detective Hawksworth.
September 1, 2025
1-1.5* OMG scenarios will cause your own ‘dead tide’ moments!!!
ALL YOU South Aussie/Adeladians will find this book interesting if anything! However, it was a cringe at times re stereotypical characters and cultural nuances. Geographical settings, though, did add to the positives.
YET…it read like a tourist brochure!
MMMM…we know you now live here Fiona and you had a travel business of sorts…BUT please don’t compromise your plot with information overload though.
AS … it totally distracted from the plot which started in London & ended on North Beach, Wallaroo…yep…the dead/dodge tide setting where it succinctly blows up!
INDEED…the speculative nature of the global crime syndicate re human material was a good idea. ✅
HOWEVER…the fact that JH was on holiday in Oz, visiting a sister in Sydney, then pops over to Adelaide at the exact same time this crime plot developed was a tad coincidental!
AND OF COURSE….it is linked to that poor dead student from his uni class back in London! This was just too unbelievable.
THEN…while he’s here there’s a mysterious death, supposedly suicide, of a man over the cliff in Waterfall Gully…oh, really? It’s all connected!
BUT THEN…Jack pretends he’s a journalist & visits (unannounced!) a top SA gynaecologist, Mark, who, naturally, has no time for him at the multi-med clinic he occasionally works at (to assist women have babies using embryonic material!).
What happened to appointments? Or after work?
*NEXT PART REDUCED MY GRADE ENORMOUSLY*
ALAS…at the exact same time, AGAIN, the Dr’s unhappy wife, Jem, confronts her Dr hubby about their marriage/supposed unfaithfulness she has just learned about that morning!
YES…in the waiting room!? It’s tense. She’s distraught. And the whole room hears including Jack!!!
AND THEN….you guessed it! He follows her outside as she fumbles for the car keys!!
BUT…through her tears, she notices how attractive he is!! Body, clothes, even his eye lashes?! Really!!???? SHE’S traumatised by her husband’s infidelity!
*NOW IT JUST GOES FROM BAD TO WORSE*
Jem goes off with this stranger for a coffee!
AND unloads on him about her marital problems. She sees JH as new fodder!
Fiona…you are going overboard!!!!
*BY NOW THE SHIP IS SINKING IN THIS IMPLAUSIBLE TALE!!*
I can’t even fathom what the plot was about now!
NONETHELESS…it does regain some semblance of logic! It becomes suspenseful when there’s another death, an embryologist! In SA. Of course…the action has hit the streets of ‘ol Adelaide!
MY INTEREST PEAKS…as like Jack, we feel that the Dr is in too deep, in something sinister. And this aspect pulls the plot along further. Finally.
INTERSPERSED…in between these scenes we have been introduced to some of SA’s history, geography etc….iconic places like the beautiful Botanical Gardens and the River Torrens Linear path where the ‘yummy mummies’ jog along, then have coffee at the best cafes, of course!
ENTERTAINING ALSO…is the quintessential Sth Aussie, Eastern suburbs dilemma…of what to wear, what schools to attend, the OS’s holidays and property purchases, cars (4WD etc) to drive, what charities to donate to and fundraising functions to organise, etc
OH …. and what their successful husbands did (Dr’s etc) … all just drove me nuts! And I live here!! But I did lol or I would have just given up!
Status symbols of society! It also spoke volumes about OLD MONEY vs NEW MONEY.
THE FALSENESS DOMINATES!
That THEY drive their Mercs etc to school and the mummies do an ‘air kiss’ to each other, was just a cultural cringe of the Eastern suburbs. I thought immediately of the old ‘Kath & Kym’ TV series especially with Prue in the shop! I had to 😂
FIONA were you doing all this tongue-in-cheek??
If so, ok but it was just too much & almost made me want to🤮 and put this book on my DNF pile!!
FAKE FRIENDS…this soon became apparent and was an important element or theme. But fake, dangerous & manipulative stood out mostly. So that was acceptable from this POV.
I SOON REALISED that this was a clue!
Jem & Mark host an awkward BBQ (with only the best meat from the top butcher’s in town!) with the couple whom he was supposedly having an affair with the wife! As her husband told Jem! Suspicious thoughts.
BUT…it served to highlight the lengths that this Dr, in particular, went to, in order to be filthy rich and send his children to the best schools. However, there’s little loving interaction with the children. Nor are they ongoing characters to consider by their parents, it seems.
$ was more important.
OF COURSE… we are swamped with some high profile educational institutions; Adelaide’s exclusive private schools: Wilderness (Wildy!), St Peter’s (Saints). Hope they didn’t mind?? Personally it would have put me off!
AND THE LIFESTYLE CONTINUES…
Birthday parties where young kids are invited to ride in a hot air balloon are thrown in for the whole image. Jem, thankfully, was concerned! She also came across as a more down to earth mum, unlike her ‘friend’! But ditzy!!
AND….this attracted Jack to her further! OMG!
What will happen? Mills & Boon readers will love it!
SO… Jem has a new best friend in JH and arranges for him to use a friend’s holiday house at Wallaroo. As you do! He could be a serial killer?!
BUT… you guessed it…she too decides to visit!
OF COURSE….it becomes an enticingly seductive time but really, how lucky was she to have her parents look after the children at a moment’s notice!!??
THEN I ALL BUT FORGOT THE PLOT …. when Jem & Jack walked along the barren beach and he makes a reference to his erection… “this is not drift wood in my pocket”…Are you kidding?
I ALL BUT THREW THIS BOOK OUT!!
OMG! Teenagers can write better!
WHY FIONA?? EDITORS??
THE SCENARIO … a serious crime syndicate with possible human material being shipped in via the Wallaroo wharf was gaining precedence & concern, yet JH is thinking of this married woman? With whom he does have sex with!! Yeh, ok he has a history…but?! Ethics?
Note: Is Hawkesworth a Hemsworth (actors) figment of Fiona’s overactive imagination??
AND THEN…JH goes to her family’s ‘shack’ for yet, another BBQ … with her philandering husband…and another couple…the wife being the mistress to the Dr?! We assume. But is it believable?
Truly twisted now but the fake friends finds a footing!
IMMORALITY is ignited by this supposed’affair’ setting Jem off on this little adventure with Jack…if one can do it, so can the other?! No morals. Nor discussion or truth. Poor communication.
OK… it all lends itself to our undercover detective getting his own foot in the door as he tries to gain more info re the Dr’s profession into embryonic material etc… but it only ends up causing more suspicion.
AND WE QUICKLY WORK IT ALL OUT … the who and what of the syndicate! The title, Dead Tide, also allures the reader to the ending. No surprises!
Jack solves the plot, he says goodbye, the baddies have died, or vanished (or have they?) and he returns to London.
ALL FINISHED AND JH LEAVES!
But Adelaide (and Jem!) now has a very special place in his heart ❤️
Oh dear…1.5-2*max.
I just feel as if this plot was hijacked by Adelaide’s prime real estate, schools, lifestyles, extramarital affairs etc just to enforce the pressure of the crime that the professional Dr had in doing what he did re embryonic material. The way it was written only served to weaken the plot, not strengthen it.
ALL YOU South Aussie/Adeladians will find this book interesting if anything! However, it was a cringe at times re stereotypical characters and cultural nuances. Geographical settings, though, did add to the positives.
YET…it read like a tourist brochure!
MMMM…we know you now live here Fiona and you had a travel business of sorts…BUT please don’t compromise your plot with information overload though.
AS … it totally distracted from the plot which started in London & ended on North Beach, Wallaroo…yep…the dead/dodge tide setting where it succinctly blows up!
INDEED…the speculative nature of the global crime syndicate re human material was a good idea. ✅
HOWEVER…the fact that JH was on holiday in Oz, visiting a sister in Sydney, then pops over to Adelaide at the exact same time this crime plot developed was a tad coincidental!
AND OF COURSE….it is linked to that poor dead student from his uni class back in London! This was just too unbelievable.
THEN…while he’s here there’s a mysterious death, supposedly suicide, of a man over the cliff in Waterfall Gully…oh, really? It’s all connected!
BUT THEN…Jack pretends he’s a journalist & visits (unannounced!) a top SA gynaecologist, Mark, who, naturally, has no time for him at the multi-med clinic he occasionally works at (to assist women have babies using embryonic material!).
What happened to appointments? Or after work?
*NEXT PART REDUCED MY GRADE ENORMOUSLY*
ALAS…at the exact same time, AGAIN, the Dr’s unhappy wife, Jem, confronts her Dr hubby about their marriage/supposed unfaithfulness she has just learned about that morning!
YES…in the waiting room!? It’s tense. She’s distraught. And the whole room hears including Jack!!!
AND THEN….you guessed it! He follows her outside as she fumbles for the car keys!!
BUT…through her tears, she notices how attractive he is!! Body, clothes, even his eye lashes?! Really!!???? SHE’S traumatised by her husband’s infidelity!
*NOW IT JUST GOES FROM BAD TO WORSE*
Jem goes off with this stranger for a coffee!
AND unloads on him about her marital problems. She sees JH as new fodder!
Fiona…you are going overboard!!!!
*BY NOW THE SHIP IS SINKING IN THIS IMPLAUSIBLE TALE!!*
I can’t even fathom what the plot was about now!
NONETHELESS…it does regain some semblance of logic! It becomes suspenseful when there’s another death, an embryologist! In SA. Of course…the action has hit the streets of ‘ol Adelaide!
MY INTEREST PEAKS…as like Jack, we feel that the Dr is in too deep, in something sinister. And this aspect pulls the plot along further. Finally.
INTERSPERSED…in between these scenes we have been introduced to some of SA’s history, geography etc….iconic places like the beautiful Botanical Gardens and the River Torrens Linear path where the ‘yummy mummies’ jog along, then have coffee at the best cafes, of course!
ENTERTAINING ALSO…is the quintessential Sth Aussie, Eastern suburbs dilemma…of what to wear, what schools to attend, the OS’s holidays and property purchases, cars (4WD etc) to drive, what charities to donate to and fundraising functions to organise, etc
OH …. and what their successful husbands did (Dr’s etc) … all just drove me nuts! And I live here!! But I did lol or I would have just given up!
Status symbols of society! It also spoke volumes about OLD MONEY vs NEW MONEY.
THE FALSENESS DOMINATES!
That THEY drive their Mercs etc to school and the mummies do an ‘air kiss’ to each other, was just a cultural cringe of the Eastern suburbs. I thought immediately of the old ‘Kath & Kym’ TV series especially with Prue in the shop! I had to 😂
FIONA were you doing all this tongue-in-cheek??
If so, ok but it was just too much & almost made me want to🤮 and put this book on my DNF pile!!
FAKE FRIENDS…this soon became apparent and was an important element or theme. But fake, dangerous & manipulative stood out mostly. So that was acceptable from this POV.
I SOON REALISED that this was a clue!
Jem & Mark host an awkward BBQ (with only the best meat from the top butcher’s in town!) with the couple whom he was supposedly having an affair with the wife! As her husband told Jem! Suspicious thoughts.
BUT…it served to highlight the lengths that this Dr, in particular, went to, in order to be filthy rich and send his children to the best schools. However, there’s little loving interaction with the children. Nor are they ongoing characters to consider by their parents, it seems.
$ was more important.
OF COURSE… we are swamped with some high profile educational institutions; Adelaide’s exclusive private schools: Wilderness (Wildy!), St Peter’s (Saints). Hope they didn’t mind?? Personally it would have put me off!
AND THE LIFESTYLE CONTINUES…
Birthday parties where young kids are invited to ride in a hot air balloon are thrown in for the whole image. Jem, thankfully, was concerned! She also came across as a more down to earth mum, unlike her ‘friend’! But ditzy!!
AND….this attracted Jack to her further! OMG!
What will happen? Mills & Boon readers will love it!
SO… Jem has a new best friend in JH and arranges for him to use a friend’s holiday house at Wallaroo. As you do! He could be a serial killer?!
BUT… you guessed it…she too decides to visit!
OF COURSE….it becomes an enticingly seductive time but really, how lucky was she to have her parents look after the children at a moment’s notice!!??
THEN I ALL BUT FORGOT THE PLOT …. when Jem & Jack walked along the barren beach and he makes a reference to his erection… “this is not drift wood in my pocket”…Are you kidding?
I ALL BUT THREW THIS BOOK OUT!!
OMG! Teenagers can write better!
WHY FIONA?? EDITORS??
THE SCENARIO … a serious crime syndicate with possible human material being shipped in via the Wallaroo wharf was gaining precedence & concern, yet JH is thinking of this married woman? With whom he does have sex with!! Yeh, ok he has a history…but?! Ethics?
Note: Is Hawkesworth a Hemsworth (actors) figment of Fiona’s overactive imagination??
AND THEN…JH goes to her family’s ‘shack’ for yet, another BBQ … with her philandering husband…and another couple…the wife being the mistress to the Dr?! We assume. But is it believable?
Truly twisted now but the fake friends finds a footing!
IMMORALITY is ignited by this supposed’affair’ setting Jem off on this little adventure with Jack…if one can do it, so can the other?! No morals. Nor discussion or truth. Poor communication.
OK… it all lends itself to our undercover detective getting his own foot in the door as he tries to gain more info re the Dr’s profession into embryonic material etc… but it only ends up causing more suspicion.
AND WE QUICKLY WORK IT ALL OUT … the who and what of the syndicate! The title, Dead Tide, also allures the reader to the ending. No surprises!
Jack solves the plot, he says goodbye, the baddies have died, or vanished (or have they?) and he returns to London.
ALL FINISHED AND JH LEAVES!
But Adelaide (and Jem!) now has a very special place in his heart ❤️
Oh dear…1.5-2*max.
I just feel as if this plot was hijacked by Adelaide’s prime real estate, schools, lifestyles, extramarital affairs etc just to enforce the pressure of the crime that the professional Dr had in doing what he did re embryonic material. The way it was written only served to weaken the plot, not strengthen it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Jack's back, and this time, he's headed to Australia- Adelaide, to be exact.
So what brings him to Aussie shores? Well, after a long recuperation time due to the Mirror Man case, our esteemed Detective Superintendent catches wind of multiple British women returning home from overseas and then dying. Further investigation suggests that these women were part of an illegal human reproduction syndicate. As one of the victims was known to Jack, he begs to be seconded Down Under- posing as a journalist with no judicisation at all.
DSI Hawksworth is known to get heavily involved in his cases, leading to complications. Even though he's been granted a certain amount of leeway, Jack must remain incognito for local police to make arrests. With suspicious deaths around Adelaide, it'll be a hard task, but Jack is used to playing the long game to catch crims.
And the thing about Jack is that he always wins.
I've been wondering when Fiona would eventually place Jack into an Australian based case, and here we are. It's a welcome and refreshing change of pace from the usual London setting and in the Aussie sun, Jack shines. This particular case is something new for him- alone in a foreign country with little support and resources and certainly no team to back him up when things go haywire. It's the perfect scenario to allow Jack to both recuperate and test the waters for a return to active duty.
Utilising infertility in such a way that it becomes the centre of a crime investigation is a bold move, but it actually works in this context. If anything, it only highlights an issue that many are faced with daily. If you read the authors notes, this stems from a personal perspective from Fiona herself.
I love this series so much. Bring on Book 5!
4.75 🌟
So what brings him to Aussie shores? Well, after a long recuperation time due to the Mirror Man case, our esteemed Detective Superintendent catches wind of multiple British women returning home from overseas and then dying. Further investigation suggests that these women were part of an illegal human reproduction syndicate. As one of the victims was known to Jack, he begs to be seconded Down Under- posing as a journalist with no judicisation at all.
DSI Hawksworth is known to get heavily involved in his cases, leading to complications. Even though he's been granted a certain amount of leeway, Jack must remain incognito for local police to make arrests. With suspicious deaths around Adelaide, it'll be a hard task, but Jack is used to playing the long game to catch crims.
And the thing about Jack is that he always wins.
I've been wondering when Fiona would eventually place Jack into an Australian based case, and here we are. It's a welcome and refreshing change of pace from the usual London setting and in the Aussie sun, Jack shines. This particular case is something new for him- alone in a foreign country with little support and resources and certainly no team to back him up when things go haywire. It's the perfect scenario to allow Jack to both recuperate and test the waters for a return to active duty.
Utilising infertility in such a way that it becomes the centre of a crime investigation is a bold move, but it actually works in this context. If anything, it only highlights an issue that many are faced with daily. If you read the authors notes, this stems from a personal perspective from Fiona herself.
I love this series so much. Bring on Book 5!
4.75 🌟
May 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down. The pommie detective comes to Australia to investigate a case, so there were many Aussie references etc. But I missed the rest of the gang back in the UK. Wasn’t the most riveting story but was still a solid OK!
January 27, 2023
If I had to sum up Dead Tide by Fiona McIntosh in three words, it would be smart, engaging & well written! This is the 4th book in the Jack Hawsworth series but the first one I’ve read. And even though I’m a reader that MUST read a series in order, I found it didn’t make any difference and if anything, just makes me excited to go back and read the previous 3!
The books synopsis is “Newly promoted Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth has headed up three major serial operations in England and in each of these cases he has lost a part of himself. While on sabbatical as guest lecturer in a London university, one of his female students dies under highly suspicious circumstances, and he finds himself drawn into a chilling new case that reaches across the world.
Jack’s investigations lead him to Adelaide where he identifies a cynical international crime consortium that preys on the anguish of childless couples and vulnerable women. Together with local major crime officers, he follows his leads to the windswept Yorke Peninsula, and becomes caught up in an intoxicating private drama. With his personal and professional business entangled once again, Jack must put his own life on the line to bring justice to those who are grieving.”
I loved the originality of the crime at the centre of this book, and it had me wanting me to find out more immediately. I found the storyline well thought out and researched which really added a level of authenticity for me. Sometimes I find with police procedurals I’m either more connected to either the crime itself or the characters, but both are equally strong in this narrative. Jack Hawksworth is a great main character (& a bit of a spunk!) and I engaged with him straight away. The South Australian coast was a fantastic backdrop and I loved all the name drops of well know SA places!
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves their crime books full of action, thrills and great characters but especially if you read a lot of crime & are looking for something a bit different! And I’ve just discovered Jack Hawksworth is coming to screen so I will be checking that out…I am so interested to see who will be cast in the role!
The books synopsis is “Newly promoted Detective Superintendent Jack Hawksworth has headed up three major serial operations in England and in each of these cases he has lost a part of himself. While on sabbatical as guest lecturer in a London university, one of his female students dies under highly suspicious circumstances, and he finds himself drawn into a chilling new case that reaches across the world.
Jack’s investigations lead him to Adelaide where he identifies a cynical international crime consortium that preys on the anguish of childless couples and vulnerable women. Together with local major crime officers, he follows his leads to the windswept Yorke Peninsula, and becomes caught up in an intoxicating private drama. With his personal and professional business entangled once again, Jack must put his own life on the line to bring justice to those who are grieving.”
I loved the originality of the crime at the centre of this book, and it had me wanting me to find out more immediately. I found the storyline well thought out and researched which really added a level of authenticity for me. Sometimes I find with police procedurals I’m either more connected to either the crime itself or the characters, but both are equally strong in this narrative. Jack Hawksworth is a great main character (& a bit of a spunk!) and I engaged with him straight away. The South Australian coast was a fantastic backdrop and I loved all the name drops of well know SA places!
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves their crime books full of action, thrills and great characters but especially if you read a lot of crime & are looking for something a bit different! And I’ve just discovered Jack Hawksworth is coming to screen so I will be checking that out…I am so interested to see who will be cast in the role!
April 24, 2023
Once again I have picked up a book which is part of a series without having read the previous books. This is becoming a pattern with me ☺️ so I now need to go back to find out more about this charming and apparently very attractive detective. I have now read a number of books by this author and have enjoyed every one. Interesting and heartbreaking subject matter which held my interest all the way through.
Read
September 10, 2024In a cafe in Hoi An I was pleased to find this Aussie crime book. It was a great read in the air-conditioned hotel room, providing much-needed respite from the heat and humidity outside. A well constructed story with interesting characters.
April 15, 2025
I totally loved this book. It had me enthralled early on and I found it hard to put down.
This book opens your eyes to what people do and why. Then also how vulnerable people are affected by innocently just being around/ with certain people. I HIGHLY recommend this book. 💖
This book opens your eyes to what people do and why. Then also how vulnerable people are affected by innocently just being around/ with certain people. I HIGHLY recommend this book. 💖
February 1, 2023
Another wonderful Fiona McIntosh book. I love these books with Jack. Loved that it was partly set in Adelaide (which is a favourite place of mine). Great story. Loved It! Can't wait for the next one!
April 15, 2023
Dead Tide is the 4th book in the Jack Hawksworth series and author Fiona McIntosh has delivered another great novel. Jack finds himself in South Australia investigating the international black market trading of human embryos - a huge illegal trade that preys upon vulnerable young women and childless couples. The thorough research and plot twists provide plenty of interest to engage the reader and make this as exciting as the earlier Jack Hawksworth novels. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how the author fed the reader little bits of information throughout to work out the mystery. I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 because the ending was a little abrupt and not much detail was provided after the final action scene. I would read more books from this author, especially in the Jack Hawksworth series.
January 1, 2024
Lots of interesting goings-on to keep me reading this one through Borrow Box.
February 4, 2023
Jack is back, Jack has been promoted, and Jack is unofficially undercover in Australia.
Fiona McIntosh is a multi-genre author, and can I just say she is nailed the crime novel one with this series.
I was eager to get my hands on this latest instalment of the Jack Hawksworth series having absolutely loved the first 3. And I can confirm that this one was worth the wait.
The crime in this story I found to be quite unique and the whodunnit reveal was brilliantly done.
I really enjoyed the South Australian setting.
Dead Tide was an utterly enjoyable read and one I would totally recommend.
4.5/5
Fiona McIntosh is a multi-genre author, and can I just say she is nailed the crime novel one with this series.
I was eager to get my hands on this latest instalment of the Jack Hawksworth series having absolutely loved the first 3. And I can confirm that this one was worth the wait.
The crime in this story I found to be quite unique and the whodunnit reveal was brilliantly done.
I really enjoyed the South Australian setting.
Dead Tide was an utterly enjoyable read and one I would totally recommend.
4.5/5
July 21, 2024
For me “Dead Tide" is a mixed bag. It will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of romance and mystery, and are fans of the DCI Jack Hawksworth series. However, if you are looking for a more traditional crime thriller you will find the romantic and handsome character tropes cringey. The book offers a thought-provoking ethical dilemma, making it a potential topic of discussion for book clubs. For me it was an opportunity to practice my speed reading skills. I gave it 2 stars with a caveat on the reliance of its heavy romance novel elements and concerns it was commissioned by Tourism South Australia
June 21, 2023
Good story but as others have already noted, the travelog was a little tiresome and I have to say, I'm a little over the fawning of seemingly intelligent women for our hero detective. It's almost like the modern James Bond and it's just a stretch to think a woman would openly discuss her marriage with a complete stranger who just picks up her dropped keys! Really?
Other than that, I like the general plots of Ms McIntosh's books, just not over egging of the 'devastastingly handsome' detective.
Other than that, I like the general plots of Ms McIntosh's books, just not over egging of the 'devastastingly handsome' detective.
September 10, 2023
This was disappointing. I enjoy Fiona McIntosh generally which is the only reason I persevered and got to the end. I found it boring and not particularly clever. It was potentially a great story- following a Scotland Yard detective investigating an international crime syndicate involving smuggling reproductive materials. The subject matter didn’t feel authentically written, as if the author didn’t do enough research, and parts of it were just off. It could have been better and it was a shame that it was not.
November 14, 2024
I’ve been reading the JH series of books consecutively. #4 book Dead Tide is somewhat a different reading pace to the previous books in the series. This could be due to Jack Hawksworth leading his own investigation without his normal crew.
Although the storyline was very informative, I found the murderous plot fell into place way to easy and predictable. However the book is a keeper and deserves a high rating.
Although the storyline was very informative, I found the murderous plot fell into place way to easy and predictable. However the book is a keeper and deserves a high rating.
September 20, 2023
One dimensional, cliched characters and a ridiculous slasher ending. Full of extra fluff about South Australia to pad it out. And so many incredible coincidences! Just wish the author had a bit more respect for her readers’ intelligence.
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