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DEAD TIDE
Beachgoers are being killed in the seaside tourist town of Cape August right before the kickoff of the summer season. But instead of a shark being the cause for terror, it’s a serial killer.
Business owners are on edge when the fate of their livelihoods (and lives!) lies in the hands of an a young, strikingly beautiful but cold woman named Roslyn Hunt. Leading her FBI team, Hunt must navigate the complexities of the tight-knit community while forced to keep a secret of her own.
With the Cape August residents unwilling to open up to a stranger, Hunt is forced to accept help from a former local - a journalist named Elle Wolfe. Wolfe is awkward, talkative, warm, and annoyingly positive. Everything Hunt is not. Pushed together, can this unlikely pair survive each other and find the killer?
Business owners are on edge when the fate of their livelihoods (and lives!) lies in the hands of an a young, strikingly beautiful but cold woman named Roslyn Hunt. Leading her FBI team, Hunt must navigate the complexities of the tight-knit community while forced to keep a secret of her own.
With the Cape August residents unwilling to open up to a stranger, Hunt is forced to accept help from a former local - a journalist named Elle Wolfe. Wolfe is awkward, talkative, warm, and annoyingly positive. Everything Hunt is not. Pushed together, can this unlikely pair survive each other and find the killer?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
140 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 16, 2023
4/5
This was so much fun. I loved this book and absolutely wolfed it down, desperate to find out who the killer was and what would happen. It's a fast-paced, intriguing read with such a vast cast of brilliant characters.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
I don't read many mystery/thrillers, but I do watch a lot on TV. This book reminded me of two of my absolute favourites: Criminal Minds (an FBI team is invited to a small town and has trouble working with local cops and people alike to build a profile and track down the killer), and Death in Paradise (although not set in the Caribbean, its setting is similar in its sandy beaches and sense of community).
It's an amazing mystery, full of lots of action-packed scenes and nerve-wracking twists. I truly just had such a great time reading it, I loved every second. I thought Marks was amazing at continuously setting the perfect amount of tension, and luring us in by dangling mysterious pieces of information in front of us.
The characters are so human and Marks does a perfect job of keeping them flawed and dynamic. They're always growing into and out of themselves, at odds with each other and finding comfort in one another in turn. Every interaction kept me hooked and interested.
If you're looking for a fun mystery/beach thriller then I would highly recommend checking out DEAD TIDE!
This was so much fun. I loved this book and absolutely wolfed it down, desperate to find out who the killer was and what would happen. It's a fast-paced, intriguing read with such a vast cast of brilliant characters.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
I don't read many mystery/thrillers, but I do watch a lot on TV. This book reminded me of two of my absolute favourites: Criminal Minds (an FBI team is invited to a small town and has trouble working with local cops and people alike to build a profile and track down the killer), and Death in Paradise (although not set in the Caribbean, its setting is similar in its sandy beaches and sense of community).
It's an amazing mystery, full of lots of action-packed scenes and nerve-wracking twists. I truly just had such a great time reading it, I loved every second. I thought Marks was amazing at continuously setting the perfect amount of tension, and luring us in by dangling mysterious pieces of information in front of us.
The characters are so human and Marks does a perfect job of keeping them flawed and dynamic. They're always growing into and out of themselves, at odds with each other and finding comfort in one another in turn. Every interaction kept me hooked and interested.
If you're looking for a fun mystery/beach thriller then I would highly recommend checking out DEAD TIDE!
December 3, 2025
Fine - became a little boring but perked up again, but not enough for 5*s. Not quite sure what the main trope is? Romance, Crime, Comedy? Excellent 2 M/Cs but local politics / comparing serial killer to Jaws just annoyed me.
June 25, 2022
4.25 ⭐️
-small town
-mystery
-sapphic flare
I love a mystery and I love Jaws.
This was the best of both!
This book was such a fun, fast paced read. I enjoyed the mystery (loosely follows the movie Jaws and the string of attacks).
I definitely had a suspicion of who the murderer was and I was way off lol
Either way I couldn’t put this down. I HAD to finish it. Everything so was atmospheric, I could see everything and follow along with ease.
I loved Elle and Roslyn so much. Both so different but also brave and strong willed in their own ways.
Therefore if you are looking for strong FMC, a mystery, a fun light hearted story and a taste of a little romance this HAS to be on your list of books to read.
-small town
-mystery
-sapphic flare
I love a mystery and I love Jaws.
This was the best of both!
This book was such a fun, fast paced read. I enjoyed the mystery (loosely follows the movie Jaws and the string of attacks).
I definitely had a suspicion of who the murderer was and I was way off lol
Either way I couldn’t put this down. I HAD to finish it. Everything so was atmospheric, I could see everything and follow along with ease.
I loved Elle and Roslyn so much. Both so different but also brave and strong willed in their own ways.
Therefore if you are looking for strong FMC, a mystery, a fun light hearted story and a taste of a little romance this HAS to be on your list of books to read.
February 23, 2025
I read this book in one evening, like 6 hours or something.
It’s 04:45 as I write this and I want the second book this moment.
23/02/25
GIVE ME THE SECOND ONE MS.MARKS
It’s 04:45 as I write this and I want the second book this moment.
23/02/25
GIVE ME THE SECOND ONE MS.MARKS
May 5, 2023
3.8 ⭐️ A fast paced sapphic detective novel.
This is my first Jane Marks novel and I will likely be reading more. If you like James Patterson, Harlan Cobden, this will likely be for you.
I’m always annoyed how few sapphic detective novels there are so finding a solid one is always a joy. Whilst not overly graphic there is a fair bit of gore and grit and a plot that will keep you guessing.
My only qualm was that the chapters were very short and we had frequents changes in POV (many chapters are 2-5 pages long) which made it a bit hard to get into at first because I was being quickly taken from one scene to another.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy for review.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// mention of cancer, serial killer themes, graphic murder (on page), mention of SA, joke about penis size, alcohol, mentions of rape (brief, not on page), mentions of child SA (not on page), mentions of sex trafficking (brief), suicide (not on page but discussed at some length), knives, abduction.
This is my first Jane Marks novel and I will likely be reading more. If you like James Patterson, Harlan Cobden, this will likely be for you.
I’m always annoyed how few sapphic detective novels there are so finding a solid one is always a joy. Whilst not overly graphic there is a fair bit of gore and grit and a plot that will keep you guessing.
My only qualm was that the chapters were very short and we had frequents changes in POV (many chapters are 2-5 pages long) which made it a bit hard to get into at first because I was being quickly taken from one scene to another.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy for review.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// mention of cancer, serial killer themes, graphic murder (on page), mention of SA, joke about penis size, alcohol, mentions of rape (brief, not on page), mentions of child SA (not on page), mentions of sex trafficking (brief), suicide (not on page but discussed at some length), knives, abduction.
July 3, 2022
When the gripping suspense of a thriller meets the beautiful ease of a beach read, the result is this extraordinary summer must-read! With terrifically relatable characters and powerful descriptions that transport you directly to each moment of anticipation, humor and romance, you won’t be able to put this book down.
January 7, 2026
NO NOTES
January 14, 2024
4/5 stars. A sapphic thriller with some of our favorites tropes -those that we spend too many times denying it-
There's a couple murders in the small beachy town and the police is over their heads. One thing is a couple of little crimes but a loose killer is not what any of them are prepared for, and that's where one of our protagonist appears. Roslyn Hunt is chief of a prominent division in the FBI and is called to help, even without her fully consent for reasons we're gonna see later. Other than being an absolute gorgeous woman, she's equally upfront, serious and with a deadpan humor. When she and her team arrive, found a little unpleasant surprise, there's a journalist in the middle of the station, in the middle of everything.
Remember the favorite trope part? well the journalist, Elle, is the definition of a ray of sunshine. Talkative, optimist and super adorable with a huge crush on agent Hunt, the one that made absolutely clear that doesn't like her. So it will be a ride and get ready 'cause it will be a very fast-paced one.
If you can, give it a chance.
There's a couple murders in the small beachy town and the police is over their heads. One thing is a couple of little crimes but a loose killer is not what any of them are prepared for, and that's where one of our protagonist appears. Roslyn Hunt is chief of a prominent division in the FBI and is called to help, even without her fully consent for reasons we're gonna see later. Other than being an absolute gorgeous woman, she's equally upfront, serious and with a deadpan humor. When she and her team arrive, found a little unpleasant surprise, there's a journalist in the middle of the station, in the middle of everything.
Remember the favorite trope part? well the journalist, Elle, is the definition of a ray of sunshine. Talkative, optimist and super adorable with a huge crush on agent Hunt, the one that made absolutely clear that doesn't like her. So it will be a ride and get ready 'cause it will be a very fast-paced one.
If you can, give it a chance.
July 25, 2023
I recently had an itch to start reading mystery again and as I was searching, this book really stood out to me. Today (technically yesterday) I decided it was time for a summerween read and picked this one. I literally did not put this down after picking it up. I have never read a book so fast and been so invested from start to finish. The characters were funny and well rounded and it felt very much like Criminal Minds right down to the ending scene. I loved the tension and I absolutely loved Roslyn, though I do wish we would’ve gotten more romance between the two. Overall I absolutely loved the plot, the story telling, and the characters. Def recommend.
There was one part that I still have questions about and I am still slightly confused about so I need one of my friends to read so we can discuss..
There was one part that I still have questions about and I am still slightly confused about so I need one of my friends to read so we can discuss..
June 4, 2022
This was a fun ride. Started the e-book on vacation and was surprised by how much I liked it. It kept me going and I had to laugh at the nods to Jaws along the way. It's a fast read, but is also more than just fluff. Would recommend.
August 23, 2025
Moods during the book
0% - 30% = okey fun little mystery
30% - 31% = STOP COMPARING THIS TO JAWS THIS IS A SERIAL KILLER NOT A SHARK
32% - 45% = starting get a little boring
45% - 70% = yesss we’re getting some more dept
70% - 100% = THIS IS AWESOME WHY ISNT THE WHOLE BOOK LIKE THIS
0% - 30% = okey fun little mystery
30% - 31% = STOP COMPARING THIS TO JAWS THIS IS A SERIAL KILLER NOT A SHARK
32% - 45% = starting get a little boring
45% - 70% = yesss we’re getting some more dept
70% - 100% = THIS IS AWESOME WHY ISNT THE WHOLE BOOK LIKE THIS
July 28, 2022
I picked this book up in a little Cape Cod shop not thinking much of it; I thought I was in for a simple beach read. Holy cow, it was so much more than that! I totally fell in love with everything about this book. The setting, the characters, the relationships, the plot were well developed and intriguing. Without spoiling anything, the main relationship gave me life and I need more of them ASAP. The central mystery had me biting my nails with anticipation. I wish more people knew about this book so I could talk about it which is why I’m recommending it to everyone I know. You definitely don’t want to miss this one!
June 5, 2022
A suspenseful (and fun) novel that keeps you on your toes. There are refreshing twists and turns that make this thriller stand out from others.
July 8, 2022
A fun beach read that kept building and building!
October 31, 2022
This book was very engaging with a lot of twists and turns and surprises. It was difficult to put down.
February 15, 2024
Reaaally enjoyed it
I kind of hope we’ll have more of them 🥰
I kind of hope we’ll have more of them 🥰
February 24, 2024
A quick fun murder mystery. Needed this!
May 16, 2024
so fun! great pace, characters, scene-setting
but i'm dying to know the deal with the chief santos easter eggs...???
but i'm dying to know the deal with the chief santos easter eggs...???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
great romp for a vacation read. certainly could have been longer to flesh things out but I don’t give a crap still fun.
July 20, 2022
Good book
The book was very well good I love the characters I never read a book from this Author Before but it had me up late for two nights.
The book was very well good I love the characters I never read a book from this Author Before but it had me up late for two nights.
August 4, 2022
Surprisingly enjoyable read that I could not put down. Loved the character stories as well as the murder mystery aspect. Great read.
May 26, 2025
Nouveau personnage préféré alert 🚨
Une chance qu’il va y avoir un 2 sinon j’aurais été fâchée de la fin.
L’enquête est weird et sa conclusion aussi. Mais j’ai été divertie du début à la fin.
Une chance qu’il va y avoir un 2 sinon j’aurais été fâchée de la fin.
L’enquête est weird et sa conclusion aussi. Mais j’ai été divertie du début à la fin.
June 30, 2022
Excellent
Characters were complete..engaging dialog.. Good mystery.. Twists and turns..ending nice and gave me a smile. Highly recommend..you won't regret it.
Characters were complete..engaging dialog.. Good mystery.. Twists and turns..ending nice and gave me a smile. Highly recommend..you won't regret it.
December 9, 2025
SAPPHIC MURDER MYSTERY! So fun, so easy to digest, I liked it a lot! I’m not huge on fiction, so the fact that I blew through this in 2 days is INSANE (the power of the kindle I swear).
January 21, 2024
So I read this book a little out of the blue. This are not my cup of tea tbh, I very much prefer rom coms, but Dead Tide was all over my TikTok so it caught my attention
I started reading not knowing what to expect, but it was very damn good. All the mystery ish, the suspense, on point, the chapters that narrated the murder where GOOOOD.
I craved a little bit more of romance if Im being honest, but thats just me, but the tension between the FMC was there and palpable. Also, Roslyn? HOT
When i start a book, I am a little picky about the writting, but this was flawless. So I would recommend for sure.
So, where is THE SEQUEL
I started reading not knowing what to expect, but it was very damn good. All the mystery ish, the suspense, on point, the chapters that narrated the murder where GOOOOD.
I craved a little bit more of romance if Im being honest, but thats just me, but the tension between the FMC was there and palpable. Also, Roslyn? HOT
When i start a book, I am a little picky about the writting, but this was flawless. So I would recommend for sure.
So, where is THE SEQUEL
February 6, 2023
Dead Tide completely blew me away. I finished reading the book in an entire day, completely unable to put it down. The story follows a series of murders that takes place in a small beach vacation central town. With local law enforcement being ill equipped to handle the murders, the FBI steps in to help solve the case.
Not only does the author completely nail the interactions between the locals and the feds, she also brings a completely badass lesbian FBI agent as the lead investigator who has a medical history of epilepsy. She ties in components of this character that is often not shown in books and shows how medical history and identity do not interfere with one’s ability to succeed in life.
To say that I am completely captivated is an understatement. I truly hope this book becomes a series. I will be waiting for this authors next write.
Not only does the author completely nail the interactions between the locals and the feds, she also brings a completely badass lesbian FBI agent as the lead investigator who has a medical history of epilepsy. She ties in components of this character that is often not shown in books and shows how medical history and identity do not interfere with one’s ability to succeed in life.
To say that I am completely captivated is an understatement. I truly hope this book becomes a series. I will be waiting for this authors next write.
March 11, 2024
WHAT!! I just finished and I LOVEDD this book. Dead tide started and ended off so amazing This is the fastest i’ve read a book ever since getting out of my book slump. Roslyn’s character is so badass it’s amazing. Elle is so jumpy and full of light they are truly the best combination. I loved the main characters in this book and I would for sure be friends with elle and roslyn in real life. Jane marks did such an amazing job at balancing humor and real world issues I truly felt for all victims in the book. The connection to jaws was brilliant. This book was so well thought out and written amazingly. Each murder was slightly different and it had you on your toes for a long time.
I loved the slow burn as well it had tiny hints of OMG and good suspense it wasn’t dragged out I would love to see a second book to this. 10/10 Book would definitely recommend!!
I loved the slow burn as well it had tiny hints of OMG and good suspense it wasn’t dragged out I would love to see a second book to this. 10/10 Book would definitely recommend!!
November 15, 2024
I was excited to read Dead Tide. I bought this book when I was on Cape Cod this summer, having seen it just in front of me in a quaint shop. The owner of this shop was so pleased that I bought this, he proceeded to tell me about this young local girl, that was the author of this debut book. I loved this story with all the clever twists and turns; clues were tucked in, here and there. The characters were described so that you get to know them, then think you know their motives....but do you? Rosylyn and Elle were the main characters. The development of their relationship was enticing. They worked steadily with one another - often though at odds, as they worked to solve the increasing number of deaths. Who was the serial killer? You will want to read this page turner. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Janet Marks!
April 16, 2024
I could not put this book down! I have always been a big fan of thrillers but have found it difficult lately to find characters and twists that make the classic “FBI working a small town case” plot feel exciting. This book managed to keep me guessing with the added bonus of two well written queer characters who are so fun to get to know! I am very much looking forward to more work from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews