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Inspector George Zammit #1
Bodies in the Water
An unwilling hero
Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija likes a quiet life, keeping his head down and avoiding trouble. But when he investigates a body floating in the waters of Valletta's Grand Harbour, he soon finds himself entangled in an international criminal plot which leads him on a perilous adventure.
A powerful crime family
Natasha Bonnici is part of a sophisticated Italian crime family whose attentions turn to the oil riches beneath the Libyan desert, where they encounter Abdullah Belkacem, a Libyan militia leader with big ambitions. Nick Walker sells his Maltese online gaming company to a shady purchaser and finds himself at the centre of Europe's biggest money laundering operation.
Troubled waters
Set against a backdrop of the world of oil smuggling, the turmoil of North Africa and the seemingly unchecked corruption in the Southern Mediterranean, their paths all collide, with disastrous results.
Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija likes a quiet life, keeping his head down and avoiding trouble. But when he investigates a body floating in the waters of Valletta's Grand Harbour, he soon finds himself entangled in an international criminal plot which leads him on a perilous adventure.
A powerful crime family
Natasha Bonnici is part of a sophisticated Italian crime family whose attentions turn to the oil riches beneath the Libyan desert, where they encounter Abdullah Belkacem, a Libyan militia leader with big ambitions. Nick Walker sells his Maltese online gaming company to a shady purchaser and finds himself at the centre of Europe's biggest money laundering operation.
Troubled waters
Set against a backdrop of the world of oil smuggling, the turmoil of North Africa and the seemingly unchecked corruption in the Southern Mediterranean, their paths all collide, with disastrous results.
- GenresMystery
420 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2022
19 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Aberford
5 books12 followersAJ Aberford has enjoyed a varied career, having been both a corporate and banking lawyer, owning and running a private investment company and founding a leading Yorkshire craft brewery. Changing direction again, he is now the author of the Inspector George Zammit crime and thriller series.
AJ Aberford still keeps his house in Yorkshire, UK, but lives primarily in Malta, which is the inspiration for the Inspector George Zammit series. Upon moving there, he soon became enthralled by the culture and history of the island that acts as a bridge between Europe and North Africa.
Malta’s position at the sharp end of the migrant crisis, as well as the rapid growth of its commercial and offshore-financial sectors, provide a rich backdrop for his writing. The culture, politics and geography of the southern Mediterranean continually throws-up surprises in this fascinating part of the world, nothing is ever what it seems, with the lines between right and wrong often blurred and twisted.
AJ Aberford is married and has two grown-up sons, as well as grandchildren. He is a keen cook, an adventurous traveller, a cyclist and is currently writing the sixth book in the Inspector George Zammit series. The Inspector Zammit series is published by Hobeck Books https://www.hobeck.net/
AJ Aberford still keeps his house in Yorkshire, UK, but lives primarily in Malta, which is the inspiration for the Inspector George Zammit series. Upon moving there, he soon became enthralled by the culture and history of the island that acts as a bridge between Europe and North Africa.
Malta’s position at the sharp end of the migrant crisis, as well as the rapid growth of its commercial and offshore-financial sectors, provide a rich backdrop for his writing. The culture, politics and geography of the southern Mediterranean continually throws-up surprises in this fascinating part of the world, nothing is ever what it seems, with the lines between right and wrong often blurred and twisted.
AJ Aberford is married and has two grown-up sons, as well as grandchildren. He is a keen cook, an adventurous traveller, a cyclist and is currently writing the sixth book in the Inspector George Zammit series. The Inspector Zammit series is published by Hobeck Books https://www.hobeck.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 10, 2023
Welcome to the island nation of Malta where, positioned strategically in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, many of the most unique European and African and Middle East desires meet.
More than anything else, author Aberford wants us to know that everything must be filtered through the concept of “family.” Though we come to know Inspector George Zammit’s family, it is only one of many that have a role in this book’s plot. Here are several quotations that will give you a sense of both plot and style.
"“Well, that is how it goes, George, is it not? Wrong place, wrong time. I suspect the enquiry is all yours. Good luck with it. Anyway, keep me in the loop. You know how it is? Everything around here ties in with everything else, eh?"
"The Pulizija had no jurisdiction out there and what happened at sea, stayed at sea, in their book. Shipping used Hurds Bank as a free maritime parking lot. There was nowhere else like it in the Mediterranean. Visitors arriving in Malta by plane would fly right over the flotilla of anchored ships on the final approach for landing. Vessels there waited for crew changes or for orders about their next job. Some sat full of crude oil from the Gulf, waiting for the spot price to change. Others were rusty old tramps, waiting to dash off to the more obscure Mediterranean ports at a moment’s notice, to carry something to somewhere. All sorts of villainy went on in those shallow waters. Russian tankers from the Black Sea made ship to ship transfers of oil to bigger vessels bound for sanctioned Venezuela. Ships full of subsidised, tax-free, Libyan petroleum waited for fuel smugglers to collect their cargo, to be illicitly sold into the European market. Even Russian naval vessels, barred from most Mediterranean ports, refuelled on the banks, all under the nose of the Maltese coastguards and the indifference of the Pulizija."
"The promotion had moved George out of the Criminal Investigations Team, which caused him few regrets. Investigating crime in Malta was always fraught with problems. The Maltese were few in number and a small-island people. They lived in tight communities, where anonymity was a luxury few enjoyed. Families were large and extended. Causing offence to one member, inevitably offended others. A careless word or deed could cause ripples that spread across the whole community. While the Maltese were devout Catholics and pious at prayer, they could hold grudges that passed down the generations, sometimes spilling over into arguments and even violence. No inquiry was ever straightforward. Here politics, family, business and crime all rubbed along together."
The book is more like a “thriller” than a mystery and it may be the first of this Maltese series about Inspector George Zammit. But it is just as much about the characters involved in smuggling and just as much about the criminals involved with money laundering. If there is a common theme that pervades this narrative it is who is considered “family.” Aberford is describing an “us” vs. “them” world and he is determined to do it from various perspectives.
My thanks to my GR friend Sofia, who I might now know a bit better through this book. I liked learning more about Malta, even if most of it was from a criminal perspective. I also liked the Aberford’s dives into the worlds of gambling, oil transactions and people trafficking. There is a jumpiness that may be disconcerting and the dialogue is only adequate, but this was an entertaining read.
3.5*
More than anything else, author Aberford wants us to know that everything must be filtered through the concept of “family.” Though we come to know Inspector George Zammit’s family, it is only one of many that have a role in this book’s plot. Here are several quotations that will give you a sense of both plot and style.
"“Well, that is how it goes, George, is it not? Wrong place, wrong time. I suspect the enquiry is all yours. Good luck with it. Anyway, keep me in the loop. You know how it is? Everything around here ties in with everything else, eh?"
"The Pulizija had no jurisdiction out there and what happened at sea, stayed at sea, in their book. Shipping used Hurds Bank as a free maritime parking lot. There was nowhere else like it in the Mediterranean. Visitors arriving in Malta by plane would fly right over the flotilla of anchored ships on the final approach for landing. Vessels there waited for crew changes or for orders about their next job. Some sat full of crude oil from the Gulf, waiting for the spot price to change. Others were rusty old tramps, waiting to dash off to the more obscure Mediterranean ports at a moment’s notice, to carry something to somewhere. All sorts of villainy went on in those shallow waters. Russian tankers from the Black Sea made ship to ship transfers of oil to bigger vessels bound for sanctioned Venezuela. Ships full of subsidised, tax-free, Libyan petroleum waited for fuel smugglers to collect their cargo, to be illicitly sold into the European market. Even Russian naval vessels, barred from most Mediterranean ports, refuelled on the banks, all under the nose of the Maltese coastguards and the indifference of the Pulizija."
"The promotion had moved George out of the Criminal Investigations Team, which caused him few regrets. Investigating crime in Malta was always fraught with problems. The Maltese were few in number and a small-island people. They lived in tight communities, where anonymity was a luxury few enjoyed. Families were large and extended. Causing offence to one member, inevitably offended others. A careless word or deed could cause ripples that spread across the whole community. While the Maltese were devout Catholics and pious at prayer, they could hold grudges that passed down the generations, sometimes spilling over into arguments and even violence. No inquiry was ever straightforward. Here politics, family, business and crime all rubbed along together."
The book is more like a “thriller” than a mystery and it may be the first of this Maltese series about Inspector George Zammit. But it is just as much about the characters involved in smuggling and just as much about the criminals involved with money laundering. If there is a common theme that pervades this narrative it is who is considered “family.” Aberford is describing an “us” vs. “them” world and he is determined to do it from various perspectives.
My thanks to my GR friend Sofia, who I might now know a bit better through this book. I liked learning more about Malta, even if most of it was from a criminal perspective. I also liked the Aberford’s dives into the worlds of gambling, oil transactions and people trafficking. There is a jumpiness that may be disconcerting and the dialogue is only adequate, but this was an entertaining read.
3.5*
July 22, 2022
This book ticks all the right boxes:
Mafia connections ✅
Corruption ✅
Money laundering ✅
Murder ✅
Drugs ✅
Backstabbing ✅
A beautiful and cunning, but cold female ✅
A man on the run ✅
Stunning location of Malta contrasted to war-torn Libya ✅
A hapless police inspector trying to make sense of it all ✅
This is the first book in the George Zammit series. He is a recently promoted inspector for Maltese Pulizija, and it’s fair to say that his colleagues don’t respect him. He is married to Marianna, and they have two children: Denzel and Gina.
Denzel was an interesting character – he ran drug deliveries around Malta without his parents’ knowledge, which I found amusing. The saying ‘it is the darkest under the candlestick’ really comes to mind!
George finds himself investigating a dead body of a North African man, who was drowned on Maltese coast. It soon becomes apparent that the man was murdered.
Meanwhile, in Malta, an Englishman Nick Walker, who works for the wealthy and connected Bonnici family starts suspecting that there is something wrong with the business. He suspects money laundering, but he is told to stay quiet.
Marco Bonnici is a local and respected man, and also Nick’s landlord. Next to Nick’s rented house, there is an apartment occupied by beautiful and mysterious Natasha. She seems to be asking a lot questions about the business, which to me was suspicious, but Nick lapped it all up, as he fancied her!
I daren’t say anymore, as I don’t want to spoil the plot for you. Let me just say that this book is explosive.
The real strength of this book is the author’s knowledge of the political situation in North Africa, particularly in Libya. I was very impressed and felt like I’ve learned something new.
I also liked how the story was told from different points of view – it gave the characters a real depth.
Overall, it is a great first book in the series. I cannot wait for the second instalment.
I recommend it to fans of fast paced thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.
Mafia connections ✅
Corruption ✅
Money laundering ✅
Murder ✅
Drugs ✅
Backstabbing ✅
A beautiful and cunning, but cold female ✅
A man on the run ✅
Stunning location of Malta contrasted to war-torn Libya ✅
A hapless police inspector trying to make sense of it all ✅
This is the first book in the George Zammit series. He is a recently promoted inspector for Maltese Pulizija, and it’s fair to say that his colleagues don’t respect him. He is married to Marianna, and they have two children: Denzel and Gina.
Denzel was an interesting character – he ran drug deliveries around Malta without his parents’ knowledge, which I found amusing. The saying ‘it is the darkest under the candlestick’ really comes to mind!
George finds himself investigating a dead body of a North African man, who was drowned on Maltese coast. It soon becomes apparent that the man was murdered.
Meanwhile, in Malta, an Englishman Nick Walker, who works for the wealthy and connected Bonnici family starts suspecting that there is something wrong with the business. He suspects money laundering, but he is told to stay quiet.
Marco Bonnici is a local and respected man, and also Nick’s landlord. Next to Nick’s rented house, there is an apartment occupied by beautiful and mysterious Natasha. She seems to be asking a lot questions about the business, which to me was suspicious, but Nick lapped it all up, as he fancied her!
I daren’t say anymore, as I don’t want to spoil the plot for you. Let me just say that this book is explosive.
The real strength of this book is the author’s knowledge of the political situation in North Africa, particularly in Libya. I was very impressed and felt like I’ve learned something new.
I also liked how the story was told from different points of view – it gave the characters a real depth.
Overall, it is a great first book in the series. I cannot wait for the second instalment.
I recommend it to fans of fast paced thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.
July 23, 2022
“Bodies in the Water” is primarily set in Malta and is a rock solid thriller, highlighting the world of oil smuggling, the turmoil and unchecked corruption in North Africa and the Southern Mediterranean.
There’s a lot going on in this action packed thriller and you do need to pay attention to the characters and locations to keep track but I had the time to devote to enjoying this cleverly plotted story and was surprised at how quickly I became engrossed. The story begins with the tale of two brothers Abeao and Mobo and their need to escape their smouldering village and I liked how they were the starting point for the thriller, with the story returning to them as the plot came to a denouement.
It was really interesting that the author covered both sides of the migrant crisis, from the opinion of inhabitants of the countries the migrants are trying to reach and the ordeals the people go through at sea, inexperienced and on their own in a simple raft, trying to seek safety. Seeing it from both sides, especially from the survival aspects of the migrants was quite an eye opener and can’t help but change any opinions you may have on the current crisis situation.
The series is built around George Zammit, an inspector in the Maltese Pulizija’s Immigration Department. He’s a great character, unassuming, somewhat naive but quite the hero when needed. His relationship with his wife added a little light relief to an otherwise very serious story and I really can’t wait to read what awaits him next in the forthcoming follow up.
After finishing the book, there’s an extract from ‘Bullets in the Sand’ and knowing exactly what the extract refers to, I literally cannot wait to read it. A.J. Aberford maybe an unknown name for the moment but I expect him to be a well recognised thriller writer very soon. “Bodies in the Water” is a Hollywood blockbuster just waiting to be made, it was so exhilarating.
‘The Inspector George Zammit’ series is the author’s A.J. Aberford’s debut work and “Bodies in the Water” is the first in a three part series, with ‘Bullets in the Sand’ and ‘Hawk at the Crossroads’ coming very soon.
#BodiesInTheWater - 4.5 stars
Thank you again to Rebecca at Hobeck for inviting me on this tour and for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
There’s a lot going on in this action packed thriller and you do need to pay attention to the characters and locations to keep track but I had the time to devote to enjoying this cleverly plotted story and was surprised at how quickly I became engrossed. The story begins with the tale of two brothers Abeao and Mobo and their need to escape their smouldering village and I liked how they were the starting point for the thriller, with the story returning to them as the plot came to a denouement.
It was really interesting that the author covered both sides of the migrant crisis, from the opinion of inhabitants of the countries the migrants are trying to reach and the ordeals the people go through at sea, inexperienced and on their own in a simple raft, trying to seek safety. Seeing it from both sides, especially from the survival aspects of the migrants was quite an eye opener and can’t help but change any opinions you may have on the current crisis situation.
The series is built around George Zammit, an inspector in the Maltese Pulizija’s Immigration Department. He’s a great character, unassuming, somewhat naive but quite the hero when needed. His relationship with his wife added a little light relief to an otherwise very serious story and I really can’t wait to read what awaits him next in the forthcoming follow up.
After finishing the book, there’s an extract from ‘Bullets in the Sand’ and knowing exactly what the extract refers to, I literally cannot wait to read it. A.J. Aberford maybe an unknown name for the moment but I expect him to be a well recognised thriller writer very soon. “Bodies in the Water” is a Hollywood blockbuster just waiting to be made, it was so exhilarating.
‘The Inspector George Zammit’ series is the author’s A.J. Aberford’s debut work and “Bodies in the Water” is the first in a three part series, with ‘Bullets in the Sand’ and ‘Hawk at the Crossroads’ coming very soon.
#BodiesInTheWater - 4.5 stars
Thank you again to Rebecca at Hobeck for inviting me on this tour and for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
AJ Aberford is a new author to me, but being a Hobeck author I knew I would be in for a fantastic read. And it was!
We meet Inspector George Zammit who works in the Immigration department of the Maltese Pulizija as he has been called out to investigate a body in the Grand Harbour. George likes a quiet life and he enjoys the odd pastry! His wife is proud of his achievements and makes it known. She enjoys a bit of attention.
When his son is almost killed in a motorcycle accident carrying a satchel containing drugs, George manages to get involved in a web of illegal activities spanning countries from Malta to Libya. As an honest policeman, finding himself sent to Libya and ending up face down in a car park in the middle of a violent gunfight was not his life’s plan. In fact he hardly ever left Malta before his superior sent him to Libya.
This is a brilliantly plotted fast paced crime thriller which is jam packed with great characters and plenty of action.
Very highly recommended and I can’t wait to read book 4 for the upcoming blog tour. I will definitely be reading books 2 and 3.
We meet Inspector George Zammit who works in the Immigration department of the Maltese Pulizija as he has been called out to investigate a body in the Grand Harbour. George likes a quiet life and he enjoys the odd pastry! His wife is proud of his achievements and makes it known. She enjoys a bit of attention.
When his son is almost killed in a motorcycle accident carrying a satchel containing drugs, George manages to get involved in a web of illegal activities spanning countries from Malta to Libya. As an honest policeman, finding himself sent to Libya and ending up face down in a car park in the middle of a violent gunfight was not his life’s plan. In fact he hardly ever left Malta before his superior sent him to Libya.
This is a brilliantly plotted fast paced crime thriller which is jam packed with great characters and plenty of action.
Very highly recommended and I can’t wait to read book 4 for the upcoming blog tour. I will definitely be reading books 2 and 3.
July 18, 2022
Wow this is a corker of a book, blimey.
This is set on the beautiful island of Malta, which creates a nice enclosed and insular community, which is ideal to set a crime series.
The immense heat and seas create an amazing backdrop to the stories, and its so wonderfully written its a character in itself.
There is also mention of Italy and various locations in Africa.
The story switches between George Zammit trying to investigate a body thats turned up in the water that clearly didnt fall in by accident, a criminal gang involved in money laundering amongst who knows what else, and gangs people trafficking and all sorts of corruption, and other criminal activities.
George Zammit is a big of a grumpy, put upon cop that wants a quiet life. I somehow fell in love with him a little bit, I could empathise with him an awful lot. I cant wait to read more about him and get to know him better.
There is so much going on in this book, a lot of threads that are briliantly twisted around each other, but all unknot themselves at the end. I cant talk too much about any of it for fear of spoilers so will just say go and read it for yourself!
A really cracking debut, of which I cannot believe it is. Blown away.
This is set on the beautiful island of Malta, which creates a nice enclosed and insular community, which is ideal to set a crime series.
The immense heat and seas create an amazing backdrop to the stories, and its so wonderfully written its a character in itself.
There is also mention of Italy and various locations in Africa.
The story switches between George Zammit trying to investigate a body thats turned up in the water that clearly didnt fall in by accident, a criminal gang involved in money laundering amongst who knows what else, and gangs people trafficking and all sorts of corruption, and other criminal activities.
George Zammit is a big of a grumpy, put upon cop that wants a quiet life. I somehow fell in love with him a little bit, I could empathise with him an awful lot. I cant wait to read more about him and get to know him better.
There is so much going on in this book, a lot of threads that are briliantly twisted around each other, but all unknot themselves at the end. I cant talk too much about any of it for fear of spoilers so will just say go and read it for yourself!
A really cracking debut, of which I cannot believe it is. Blown away.
July 18, 2022
A really fast paced book, the first in a series of three the Detective George Zammit of the Maltese Pulizija. This book is set in Malta and Libya and there is so much action going on it’s not always easy to keep up with it. Well written and despite the number of bodies not a gruesome read.
Briefly, when a body is found floating in the Grand Harbour, Valletta Inspector George Zammit on the case and he soon finds links to an Italian Crime family who run a gambling operation in Malta as front for laundering money. However, this is just the tip of their operations which include people trafficking from Libya and currently trying to inveigle themselves into Libyan oil supplies.
There is a lot of double dealing and double crossing between each of the parties and poor George always seems to be caught in the middle. An entertaining read cleverly put together by the author who seems to really understand the perils of those trying to seek safety from Africa. A good thriller and I look forward to reading book 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when a body is found floating in the Grand Harbour, Valletta Inspector George Zammit on the case and he soon finds links to an Italian Crime family who run a gambling operation in Malta as front for laundering money. However, this is just the tip of their operations which include people trafficking from Libya and currently trying to inveigle themselves into Libyan oil supplies.
There is a lot of double dealing and double crossing between each of the parties and poor George always seems to be caught in the middle. An entertaining read cleverly put together by the author who seems to really understand the perils of those trying to seek safety from Africa. A good thriller and I look forward to reading book 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 20, 2022
Well I love a detective crime book and this one fits the bill.
This is the first book in a series following inspector George Zammit.
Bodies in the water is set in Malta where there is a body found in the water one morning, a murder case opens.
George gets on the case. Throw in an Italian crime gang, a dose of the mafia, corruption and George has his hands full.
Somehow George’s son gets caught up in it. George is then chasing around and thrown into his own troubles. Lots of action and twists in the plot.
The book takes you there, is action packed and fast going, a must for all crime lovers. Written with great detailing.
Took some concentration to follow but thats most likely just me and my foggy brain.
I look forward to book 2
Many thanks to Rebecca @hobeckbooks for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in a series following inspector George Zammit.
Bodies in the water is set in Malta where there is a body found in the water one morning, a murder case opens.
George gets on the case. Throw in an Italian crime gang, a dose of the mafia, corruption and George has his hands full.
Somehow George’s son gets caught up in it. George is then chasing around and thrown into his own troubles. Lots of action and twists in the plot.
The book takes you there, is action packed and fast going, a must for all crime lovers. Written with great detailing.
Took some concentration to follow but thats most likely just me and my foggy brain.
I look forward to book 2
Many thanks to Rebecca @hobeckbooks for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This book is set partly in Malta and follows Inspector George Zammit as one morning a body is discovered in the water. When a suspicious boat leaves before he can get any answers, he starts to think they may be involved.
Meanwhile an Italian crime family have their sites on a big new venture involving oil from Libyan deserts. This adds to the large amount of organised crime they are already involved with.
George’s son gets involved with the wrong people, and George soon finds himself on a dangerous escapade to help keep his soon safe.
Trouble brews for all involved as plans are altered with disastrous affect.
Will George survive? Will he discover what corruption is occurring in his own country?
There is certainly plenty of action throughout in this book, as George is thrown into an unknown world for him. The amount of corruption in his own country and the dangers he faces in Libya.
I did find myself getting a little lost as there were quite a few characters and a lot going on all the time, but I still found the storyline powerful and interesting.
I did like George’s character; he evolves into a stronger man throughout which I think even surprises himself.
Overall, an action-packed crime book about corruption and organised crime.
This book is set partly in Malta and follows Inspector George Zammit as one morning a body is discovered in the water. When a suspicious boat leaves before he can get any answers, he starts to think they may be involved.
Meanwhile an Italian crime family have their sites on a big new venture involving oil from Libyan deserts. This adds to the large amount of organised crime they are already involved with.
George’s son gets involved with the wrong people, and George soon finds himself on a dangerous escapade to help keep his soon safe.
Trouble brews for all involved as plans are altered with disastrous affect.
Will George survive? Will he discover what corruption is occurring in his own country?
There is certainly plenty of action throughout in this book, as George is thrown into an unknown world for him. The amount of corruption in his own country and the dangers he faces in Libya.
I did find myself getting a little lost as there were quite a few characters and a lot going on all the time, but I still found the storyline powerful and interesting.
I did like George’s character; he evolves into a stronger man throughout which I think even surprises himself.
Overall, an action-packed crime book about corruption and organised crime.
September 17, 2022
I don’t usually read crime novels as they can be rather predictable but this was gave the reader so much more - set in Malta against the backdrop of geopolitics in the Mediterranean and North Africa, it introduces an unlikely new hero. This is the first in a series apparently, and I will definitely be reading more.
July 23, 2022
A newly hatched author & he is kicking off a three book series with a great unwitting hero - Inspector George Zammit of the Maltese Pulizija.
I was interested in this book, not only because it is published by the fabulous Hobeck Books, but also I love Malta & I was curious as to how this arid, insular island would be portrayed.
The story starts with the discovery of a body floating in the water. The boat that George thinks is involved, swiftly leaves Maltese waters & out of his grasp.
An Italian crime family are expanding their empire to include Libyan oil. People traffickers are involved in this operation too.
On top of this, George’s gullible son gets in with the wrong crowd.
Fast-paced with a complex cast of characters but it is so well written (the chapter headings help) that you do not get lost.
A recommended read on the intricacies of corruption, crime families & treachery. Hurry up with book 2 please.
I was interested in this book, not only because it is published by the fabulous Hobeck Books, but also I love Malta & I was curious as to how this arid, insular island would be portrayed.
The story starts with the discovery of a body floating in the water. The boat that George thinks is involved, swiftly leaves Maltese waters & out of his grasp.
An Italian crime family are expanding their empire to include Libyan oil. People traffickers are involved in this operation too.
On top of this, George’s gullible son gets in with the wrong crowd.
Fast-paced with a complex cast of characters but it is so well written (the chapter headings help) that you do not get lost.
A recommended read on the intricacies of corruption, crime families & treachery. Hurry up with book 2 please.
February 9, 2024
What a rollicking adventure this turned out to be. I’m interested in Malta and was curious to read some contemporary fiction set on the rock as most Maltese books tend to be historical fact or fiction.
The story revolves around Inspector George Zammit who gets himself embroiled in a series of unfortunate events which see him having to dig deep to find some hidden resilience as he rises up to the challenges thrown at him. It quickly becomes a page turner as you will him to succeed, despite the odds. L though it tackles serious themes such as illegal migrant crossings, oil smuggling, corruption and money laundering, there’s occasional flashes of humour to lighten the mood.
This would make a great TV series!
The story revolves around Inspector George Zammit who gets himself embroiled in a series of unfortunate events which see him having to dig deep to find some hidden resilience as he rises up to the challenges thrown at him. It quickly becomes a page turner as you will him to succeed, despite the odds. L though it tackles serious themes such as illegal migrant crossings, oil smuggling, corruption and money laundering, there’s occasional flashes of humour to lighten the mood.
This would make a great TV series!
July 29, 2022
When George Zammit’s naive but headstrong son Denzel gets himself into trouble after an accident on his scooter it falls to George to sort the problem out. Unfortunately, in doing so he puts himself in the debt of Commissioner Gerald Camilleri. Camilleri naturally asks George to do him a small favour back.
Nick Walker is an entrepreneur who set an online gaming and sold out for a huge profit whilst retaining the CEO position with a salary package to match. Initially suspicious he is now convinced he is involved in a significant money laundering racket and decides to let his employers know that he knows this. There is a risk but he loves the lifestyle and is keen for it to continue.
Abdullah Belkacem is making a good living for his family by trafficking people to Europe. It’s a dirty business but he prides himself in the quality of his boats and equipment which give his customers a good chance of success and survival compared to his rivals. To protect his people from the more aggressive warlords he needs money, lots of it and oil is the key to vast untapped wealth. To make his dream come true he needs a partner and finds a willing one in Malta in the form of the ‘family.’
Natasha Bonnici is young, beautiful and ruthless. She is also determined to succeed and rise to the top of the hierarchy of the ‘family.’
A diverse collection of people whose futures collide, where trust may prove deadly and danger forces unlikely alliances.
Malta has changed rapidly in the last 10 years. As an outsider the author has captured the zeitgeist perfectly along with the wider Mediterranean geo-politics in wonderfully entertaining adventure novel.
Central to the plot is oil smuggling but the side issues, people smuggling, terrorist financing and money laundering all dovetail perfectly with it. None of these serious issues can be solved individually without addressing some of the others. The sources of finance are just as important as the bomb planter and must be addressed if lives are to be saved. These provide the background though and don’t hold the story telling back which buzzes along a rate of knots.
It’s the principal characters that are well drawn and really bring the book to life.
George is a typical middle aged Maltese male, not lazy as such, more attuned to what they describe as ‘island life’ where the pace of life is slow, its often too hot to do jobs and there’s also tomorrow. This attitude means he’s somewhat hapless but when he’s in Libya he must summon his inner Rambo before developing Machiavellian style plotting last seen in this region in the Zen novels. A startling transformation but all the while retaining the persona of a man bumbling his way through life.
Camilleri (presumably named as a nod to the author of the Montalbano novels) becomes George’s boss and is a sly and slippery operator. Petty corruption and nepotism has always been prevalent in the region, but the stakes have now risen exponentially. It is no longer a gift for smoothing the way or finding a role for a distant cousin, but major crime and Camilleri is just the man to embrace this.
Natasha is perhaps the one to keep an eye on in the series going forward. Beautiful and ruthless is a dangerous combination and we get hints that she is playing a long game but is impatient for success.
Adbullah is the people smuggler, so the first impression is unfavourable. He is an opportunist and profiting from the exploitation of other humans, yet he sees himself as only making the best of the situation he is in. There is bitter conflict in the region, and he is desperate to avoid it as much as he can whilst providing for his family and people. Not a heroic man but a pragmatic one dealing with the situation he finds himself.
There are smatterings of humour throughout, including the old chestnut of do the Maltese drive on the left or right side of the road? The shady side of course! George’s delight at getting the opportunity to buy clothes because his wife usually buys them for him is another piece that rings true. There’s also some lovely ‘fish out of water’ scenes as George comes to terms with the reality of life in Libya, and his need to trust Adbullah. This peaks with him becoming an unlikely hero which had me chuckling along, bravo.
Bodies in the Water is a fast-moving thriller that’s grounded in the current reality of what is happening in the Southern Mediterranean but is throroughly entertaining from the first page to the last. The scope of the novel is vast and the writing colourful. If you love tricky machinations in your thrillers, you’ll love this.
Nick Walker is an entrepreneur who set an online gaming and sold out for a huge profit whilst retaining the CEO position with a salary package to match. Initially suspicious he is now convinced he is involved in a significant money laundering racket and decides to let his employers know that he knows this. There is a risk but he loves the lifestyle and is keen for it to continue.
Abdullah Belkacem is making a good living for his family by trafficking people to Europe. It’s a dirty business but he prides himself in the quality of his boats and equipment which give his customers a good chance of success and survival compared to his rivals. To protect his people from the more aggressive warlords he needs money, lots of it and oil is the key to vast untapped wealth. To make his dream come true he needs a partner and finds a willing one in Malta in the form of the ‘family.’
Natasha Bonnici is young, beautiful and ruthless. She is also determined to succeed and rise to the top of the hierarchy of the ‘family.’
A diverse collection of people whose futures collide, where trust may prove deadly and danger forces unlikely alliances.
Malta has changed rapidly in the last 10 years. As an outsider the author has captured the zeitgeist perfectly along with the wider Mediterranean geo-politics in wonderfully entertaining adventure novel.
Central to the plot is oil smuggling but the side issues, people smuggling, terrorist financing and money laundering all dovetail perfectly with it. None of these serious issues can be solved individually without addressing some of the others. The sources of finance are just as important as the bomb planter and must be addressed if lives are to be saved. These provide the background though and don’t hold the story telling back which buzzes along a rate of knots.
It’s the principal characters that are well drawn and really bring the book to life.
George is a typical middle aged Maltese male, not lazy as such, more attuned to what they describe as ‘island life’ where the pace of life is slow, its often too hot to do jobs and there’s also tomorrow. This attitude means he’s somewhat hapless but when he’s in Libya he must summon his inner Rambo before developing Machiavellian style plotting last seen in this region in the Zen novels. A startling transformation but all the while retaining the persona of a man bumbling his way through life.
Camilleri (presumably named as a nod to the author of the Montalbano novels) becomes George’s boss and is a sly and slippery operator. Petty corruption and nepotism has always been prevalent in the region, but the stakes have now risen exponentially. It is no longer a gift for smoothing the way or finding a role for a distant cousin, but major crime and Camilleri is just the man to embrace this.
Natasha is perhaps the one to keep an eye on in the series going forward. Beautiful and ruthless is a dangerous combination and we get hints that she is playing a long game but is impatient for success.
Adbullah is the people smuggler, so the first impression is unfavourable. He is an opportunist and profiting from the exploitation of other humans, yet he sees himself as only making the best of the situation he is in. There is bitter conflict in the region, and he is desperate to avoid it as much as he can whilst providing for his family and people. Not a heroic man but a pragmatic one dealing with the situation he finds himself.
There are smatterings of humour throughout, including the old chestnut of do the Maltese drive on the left or right side of the road? The shady side of course! George’s delight at getting the opportunity to buy clothes because his wife usually buys them for him is another piece that rings true. There’s also some lovely ‘fish out of water’ scenes as George comes to terms with the reality of life in Libya, and his need to trust Adbullah. This peaks with him becoming an unlikely hero which had me chuckling along, bravo.
Bodies in the Water is a fast-moving thriller that’s grounded in the current reality of what is happening in the Southern Mediterranean but is throroughly entertaining from the first page to the last. The scope of the novel is vast and the writing colourful. If you love tricky machinations in your thrillers, you’ll love this.
March 26, 2024
A.J. Aberford’s debut novel Bodies in the Water is very impressive and can stand up against many accomplished best-sellers such as Gerald Seymour and Ken Follett.
For me, he’s covering a lot of familiar ground, setting his story primarily in Malta, where I lived for almost two years.
Neatly structured, it has a prologue and epilogue which features two Nigerian youths, Abeao and Mobo. The tale begins when a body is found floating in the Grand Harbour of Valletta. Police inspector George Zammit is tasked with investigating the death – which is soon established to be murder.
Several scene changes take us to Libya where a certain people smuggler Abdullah Belkacem is intent on expanding his business, notably with links to Malta.
Another protagonist is Englishman Nick Walker who is working for a Sicilian company, the business being a front for money laundering. ‘By the time he began to suspect what he was really involved in, he also knew that walking away was no longer an option’ (p25).
George’s nemesis is Assistant Commissioner Gerald Camilleri, an influential unprincipled man who has little respect for Inspector Zammit.
Added to the mix are Marco Bonnici and his daughter Natasha, both involved with the Sicilian Family and not averse to law-breaking.
All of these different characters are linked. The threads draw together as we experience militia fighting in Libya, the treacherous illegal crossings of the Mediterranean, and the political blackmailing by powerful people in both Italy and Malta.
Aberford has clearly done his research, and this gives us an insight into the conditions in the different lands. There is humour, especially with George’s domestic existence, and also friendships are established. The book and characters cry out for another outing – which is all right, since there are now five Zammit books in the series!
Recommended.
For me, he’s covering a lot of familiar ground, setting his story primarily in Malta, where I lived for almost two years.
Neatly structured, it has a prologue and epilogue which features two Nigerian youths, Abeao and Mobo. The tale begins when a body is found floating in the Grand Harbour of Valletta. Police inspector George Zammit is tasked with investigating the death – which is soon established to be murder.
Several scene changes take us to Libya where a certain people smuggler Abdullah Belkacem is intent on expanding his business, notably with links to Malta.
Another protagonist is Englishman Nick Walker who is working for a Sicilian company, the business being a front for money laundering. ‘By the time he began to suspect what he was really involved in, he also knew that walking away was no longer an option’ (p25).
George’s nemesis is Assistant Commissioner Gerald Camilleri, an influential unprincipled man who has little respect for Inspector Zammit.
Added to the mix are Marco Bonnici and his daughter Natasha, both involved with the Sicilian Family and not averse to law-breaking.
All of these different characters are linked. The threads draw together as we experience militia fighting in Libya, the treacherous illegal crossings of the Mediterranean, and the political blackmailing by powerful people in both Italy and Malta.
Aberford has clearly done his research, and this gives us an insight into the conditions in the different lands. There is humour, especially with George’s domestic existence, and also friendships are established. The book and characters cry out for another outing – which is all right, since there are now five Zammit books in the series!
Recommended.
July 24, 2022
The story is told from different aspects, mainly that of Inspector George Zammit, newly promoted to Immigration, Englishman Nick Walker and his supposed housekeeper Natasha Bonnici, and Libyan militia and owner of many dubious businesses Abdullah Belkacem. There are initially very many characters to get to know together with their various histories, but the strands do come together pretty quickly as the ship that Belkacem has bought to add oil smuggling from Libya to Malta to his already lucrative other business including people trafficking loses a crew member before it has even sailed, and the investigation into the death falls to Zammit, whilst his own son Denzel is badly injured following a meeting with Natasha whilst carrying out illegal acts of his own. Meanwhile the online gambling company that Nick used to own and now runs for the Milanese Family under Natasha’s father Marco is rapidly expanding its money laundering side, as Marco also prepares to move the Libyan oil into Europe. Often perceived as bumbling, the brilliant Zammit finds himself forced to protect his son and is thrown into a much bigger situation than he could have ever imagined in a world of criminals where corruption, treachery and danger lurks all around.
There is lots of detail included, particularly about the warring factions in Libya, which clearly showed the author had done his research and had a good knowledge of the settings. There is plenty of action and a fair bit of bloodshed in a story full of ruthless people where life is cheap and family loyalty is everything. Highly recommended for those who want a great action thriller with a most engaging lead character. 5*
There is lots of detail included, particularly about the warring factions in Libya, which clearly showed the author had done his research and had a good knowledge of the settings. There is plenty of action and a fair bit of bloodshed in a story full of ruthless people where life is cheap and family loyalty is everything. Highly recommended for those who want a great action thriller with a most engaging lead character. 5*
July 24, 2022
This thrilling crime story has a great writing style which gradually draws us in and keeps us hooked! We are transported to the gorgeous Malta setting which contrasts with the desperate political landscape we see in Libya. It realistically covers hard-hitting topics which are well balanced with humour, mystery and action.
The story unfolds from split perspectives which adds to the intrigue as we see each character’s thoughts and motives. There are various threads which seem unrelated at first but as they play out and unravel we see how interconnected they are and linked in unexpected and undesirable ways.
George Gammit is an Inspector in Malta’s police, he’s a family man with an affable nature and a bit of an underdog at work, he’s not taken seriously. When a dead body is found floating in the Harbour, George heads up the investigation with no idea the murky depths it will take him to.
The allure of money and influence see Nick pulled into an international criminal underworld. He confides in Natasha who isn’t who see seems, she has her own ambitions and end game in sight and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
The Wise Men call the shots and are cut-throat and single-minded in their goal. They have connections in high places and demand absolute loyalty and obedience.
As the investigation hots up George unwittingly finds himself on a road fraught with danger at every turn. Corruption, blackmail and power struggles set off a chain of events with far reaching implications for all concerned. The suspense intensifies and has us on the edge of our seat in anticipation of how everything will unfold and who will be left standing at the end!
I raced through the pages of this enjoyable debut. There’s lots of twists and turns in store with switched allegiances, deceit, and friendships formed in the unlikeliest of places. With big players and high stakes involved it’s easy for things to dangerously spiral out of control! A great start to the series – I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
With thanks to @HobeckBooks for a place on the tour and my gifted copy to read and review.
The story unfolds from split perspectives which adds to the intrigue as we see each character’s thoughts and motives. There are various threads which seem unrelated at first but as they play out and unravel we see how interconnected they are and linked in unexpected and undesirable ways.
George Gammit is an Inspector in Malta’s police, he’s a family man with an affable nature and a bit of an underdog at work, he’s not taken seriously. When a dead body is found floating in the Harbour, George heads up the investigation with no idea the murky depths it will take him to.
The allure of money and influence see Nick pulled into an international criminal underworld. He confides in Natasha who isn’t who see seems, she has her own ambitions and end game in sight and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
The Wise Men call the shots and are cut-throat and single-minded in their goal. They have connections in high places and demand absolute loyalty and obedience.
As the investigation hots up George unwittingly finds himself on a road fraught with danger at every turn. Corruption, blackmail and power struggles set off a chain of events with far reaching implications for all concerned. The suspense intensifies and has us on the edge of our seat in anticipation of how everything will unfold and who will be left standing at the end!
I raced through the pages of this enjoyable debut. There’s lots of twists and turns in store with switched allegiances, deceit, and friendships formed in the unlikeliest of places. With big players and high stakes involved it’s easy for things to dangerously spiral out of control! A great start to the series – I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
With thanks to @HobeckBooks for a place on the tour and my gifted copy to read and review.
July 21, 2022
First of all many thanks to Rebecca @hobeckbooks for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
A body is found on the water and Inspector George Zammit of the Maltese Pulizija is in charge of the investigation where it appears that this wasn't an accident. The story shifts to money laundering via a betting company registered in Malta and a nefarious Italian crime family with illegal dealings.
You can appreciate the amount of research the author has delved into, quite impressive, with a notable amount of background info with regards to different Libian terror groups, money laundering, drugs, and human trafficking.
The characters' surnames were incredibly amusing. I'm from Gibraltar and a Maltese community has existed in Gibraltar since shortly after its capture by an Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704, so you can imagine my surprise when I first heard of Zammit, Camilleri, Schembri and Borg which were mentioned in the book, as I have friends with these exact surnames.
Incidentally, my niece's future husband is called borg!! lol.
Overall, an exciting start to the series and one that I have enjoyed reading. I am eagerly anticipating what's to come next in Inspector George Zammit's upcoming adventure.
A body is found on the water and Inspector George Zammit of the Maltese Pulizija is in charge of the investigation where it appears that this wasn't an accident. The story shifts to money laundering via a betting company registered in Malta and a nefarious Italian crime family with illegal dealings.
You can appreciate the amount of research the author has delved into, quite impressive, with a notable amount of background info with regards to different Libian terror groups, money laundering, drugs, and human trafficking.
The characters' surnames were incredibly amusing. I'm from Gibraltar and a Maltese community has existed in Gibraltar since shortly after its capture by an Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704, so you can imagine my surprise when I first heard of Zammit, Camilleri, Schembri and Borg which were mentioned in the book, as I have friends with these exact surnames.
Incidentally, my niece's future husband is called borg!! lol.
Overall, an exciting start to the series and one that I have enjoyed reading. I am eagerly anticipating what's to come next in Inspector George Zammit's upcoming adventure.
August 24, 2025
Looking for your next fast-paced thriller series? Meet Detective George Zammit, a recently promoted Inspector in the Maltese Pulizija. George isn’t ambitious—he just does his job and goes home—but when he’s drawn into a web of corruption, oil smuggling, people trafficking, and money laundering, his life takes a dangerous turn.
The story starts a little slowly as the many players are introduced—George, Abdullah Belkacem (a trafficker from Libya), Nick Walker (an I-gaming businessman pulled into crime), Natasha Bonnici (ambitious and full of secrets), and Amr Warda (master of the ship Malik Albahr). Once they’re in place, the pace takes off, the tension builds, and you’re in for a ride full of twists and betrayals.
What I loved most was watching George grow as a character, and rooting for the ones I wanted to survive—I wasn’t disappointed! Once this book gets going, it’s hard to put down. Fans of gritty, international thrillers with action, corruption, and plenty of intrigue will definitely want to dive in.
The story starts a little slowly as the many players are introduced—George, Abdullah Belkacem (a trafficker from Libya), Nick Walker (an I-gaming businessman pulled into crime), Natasha Bonnici (ambitious and full of secrets), and Amr Warda (master of the ship Malik Albahr). Once they’re in place, the pace takes off, the tension builds, and you’re in for a ride full of twists and betrayals.
What I loved most was watching George grow as a character, and rooting for the ones I wanted to survive—I wasn’t disappointed! Once this book gets going, it’s hard to put down. Fans of gritty, international thrillers with action, corruption, and plenty of intrigue will definitely want to dive in.
February 25, 2026
A search for a novel set in Malta available on Kindle led me to 'The Inspector George Zammit Series' and I read most of this novel, the first in the series, during my first visit to Malta.
It enriched my visit in unexpected ways, making me think about gambling, migration, the island's location, and made me contemplate Malta's current vibe.
All that on top of it being a great crime story. The plot interweaves the lives, motivations and characters of people all quite different from each other. As when I read Dickens, I could really picture each one.
George Zammit grew on me. I began to enjoy the gentle humour of the writer, and also to admire the skill and intelligence of this apparently inept but actually very thoughtful character. In some ways he reminded me of Jonas Jonasson's 100 year old man. As with that character, I was intrigued to see if or how the Inspector would avoid death and the many other threats he came to face.
No longer in Malta, I'm still hooked on these books, so onto the next in the series!
It enriched my visit in unexpected ways, making me think about gambling, migration, the island's location, and made me contemplate Malta's current vibe.
All that on top of it being a great crime story. The plot interweaves the lives, motivations and characters of people all quite different from each other. As when I read Dickens, I could really picture each one.
George Zammit grew on me. I began to enjoy the gentle humour of the writer, and also to admire the skill and intelligence of this apparently inept but actually very thoughtful character. In some ways he reminded me of Jonas Jonasson's 100 year old man. As with that character, I was intrigued to see if or how the Inspector would avoid death and the many other threats he came to face.
No longer in Malta, I'm still hooked on these books, so onto the next in the series!
December 30, 2023
This is an action-packed thriller with an unlikely hero.
Inspector George ‘Use it or lose it’ Zammit simply wants an easy life. A newly promoted Inspector in the Maltese police force, he is happily married with two kids, somewhere nice to live, a job he enjoys. What more does he want? Well, not the spiralling events that lead him far away from his home and family to the deserts of Libya, puts his life in extreme danger and teaches him lessons he’d rather not learn. But he steps up, if a little unwillingly. His nickname changes from ‘Use it or lose it’ to ‘Rambo Zammit’, which says it all. This fabulous book follows a number of disparate individuals whose stories slowly mesh to a high-stakes climax. Corruption, blackmail, fraud, people trafficking, Mafia connections, if it’s dodgy, it’s in there. I loved the descriptions of all the places visited (I felt as if I was there), the gentle humour and the well-rounded characters in this book. Highly recommended.
Inspector George ‘Use it or lose it’ Zammit simply wants an easy life. A newly promoted Inspector in the Maltese police force, he is happily married with two kids, somewhere nice to live, a job he enjoys. What more does he want? Well, not the spiralling events that lead him far away from his home and family to the deserts of Libya, puts his life in extreme danger and teaches him lessons he’d rather not learn. But he steps up, if a little unwillingly. His nickname changes from ‘Use it or lose it’ to ‘Rambo Zammit’, which says it all. This fabulous book follows a number of disparate individuals whose stories slowly mesh to a high-stakes climax. Corruption, blackmail, fraud, people trafficking, Mafia connections, if it’s dodgy, it’s in there. I loved the descriptions of all the places visited (I felt as if I was there), the gentle humour and the well-rounded characters in this book. Highly recommended.
August 15, 2022
A very Maltese solution.
Lots of bodies in the water, in more ways done one.
I kept my fingers crossed with this one, because it's written by a non Maltese about us Maltese and some times non Maltese writers like to write about foreigners going adventuring in Malta and us Maltese are just given a nod and a wink in passing. Not so Aberford, his main protagonists are Maltese and although I may be a pain in the ass and have some niggles, I can more than safely say that he did a good job in getting us and I certainly look forward to more of his opus.
Kudos to Aberford for not only getting the Maltese character, but also giving us a very Maltese solution to his first George Zammit story. A solution that fit right in our current political, social reality (unfortunately).
Lots of bodies in the water, in more ways done one.
I kept my fingers crossed with this one, because it's written by a non Maltese about us Maltese and some times non Maltese writers like to write about foreigners going adventuring in Malta and us Maltese are just given a nod and a wink in passing. Not so Aberford, his main protagonists are Maltese and although I may be a pain in the ass and have some niggles, I can more than safely say that he did a good job in getting us and I certainly look forward to more of his opus.
Kudos to Aberford for not only getting the Maltese character, but also giving us a very Maltese solution to his first George Zammit story. A solution that fit right in our current political, social reality (unfortunately).
Debbie Caruana Dingli
August 13, 2022
I read this out of curiosity; I have a lot of personal connections with Malta, and as with any place that you know and love, there’s inevitably an element of location spotting and being reminded of people you know. Beyond that, George Zammit is a very endearing character, a little of Montalbano about him, and while there is plenty of action, there’s decent comedy, too. The rest of the characters are engaging too, and we get to know them fairly well. There are multiple plot strands that come together nicely, some fairly full on violence, and enough twists to keep you reading. A new author for me, but one I would like to read again.
July 22, 2023
I normally like crime fiction, and was curious to read this as it is based primarily in Malta. The latter part was what I enjoyed most about the book. It is well researched intertwining oil smuggling with money laundering, human trafficking and corruption, but for me it was a slow read as I found the book a little lacking in depth. It would make a great film though! It was entertaining in parts, especially when portraying some of the idiosyncrasies of the Maltese population, but not intriguing enough for me for it to be a page turner or for it to be unputdownable. I'm not sure yet whether I will pursue the rest of the series.
July 22, 2022
This book was so exciting and totally engrossing!
I wasn’t sure about the subject matter of money laundering and the black market of oil/fuel sales at first, I thought it might be a bit dry. I needn’t have worried - the pace and swiftness of the writing is so brilliant that I was drawn in. I was there with George in Malta, feeling the safety and claustrophobia of a community where everyone knows everyone. I was in Libya with Abdulllah facing down Islamic terrorists in the desert. I was hiding in the house with Nick.
There are many threads to this story but it was easy to keep up due to the skill of AJ Aberford, and the way that the stories evolved kept taking me by surprise and kept me turning pages long after I should gone to sleep!
It is clear that Aberford loves Malta, it is so richly described and with such emotion. It’s like another character in its own right.
This is the first in a series and I, for one, can’t wait to read more about Inspector George Zammit, the unassuming cop who just wants a quiet life but can definitely rise to the occasion when mayhem erupts around him. If the following stories are as tight, frenetic and exhilarating as this one then I’ll be in for a treat!
I wasn’t sure about the subject matter of money laundering and the black market of oil/fuel sales at first, I thought it might be a bit dry. I needn’t have worried - the pace and swiftness of the writing is so brilliant that I was drawn in. I was there with George in Malta, feeling the safety and claustrophobia of a community where everyone knows everyone. I was in Libya with Abdulllah facing down Islamic terrorists in the desert. I was hiding in the house with Nick.
There are many threads to this story but it was easy to keep up due to the skill of AJ Aberford, and the way that the stories evolved kept taking me by surprise and kept me turning pages long after I should gone to sleep!
It is clear that Aberford loves Malta, it is so richly described and with such emotion. It’s like another character in its own right.
This is the first in a series and I, for one, can’t wait to read more about Inspector George Zammit, the unassuming cop who just wants a quiet life but can definitely rise to the occasion when mayhem erupts around him. If the following stories are as tight, frenetic and exhilarating as this one then I’ll be in for a treat!
April 30, 2024
Bodies in the Water is a crime adventure set in Malta and Libya, featuring likeable, accidental hero Inspector George Zammit of the Malta Pulizija. This is an epic, action-packed thriller. With all the different threads and viewpoints – gangsters, smugglers, money launderers – it would make an excellent TV crime drama. The chapters involving a migrant raft are particularly memorable and cinematic.
I’ve now reached chapter three of Bullets in the Sand, book 2 in the series. It’s another gripping, explosive read.
I’ve now reached chapter three of Bullets in the Sand, book 2 in the series. It’s another gripping, explosive read.
February 23, 2023
Bodies in the Water is a fast paced crime novel based on the island of Malta. Detective George Zammit is a breath of fresh air for me, a long time reader of crime fiction. He is wonderfully portrayed as a pastry loving, humble Maltese policeman, whose favourite meal is pasta with rabbit and peas. Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean, between North Africa and Europe, provides a setting for fascinating plot scenarios. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.
September 1, 2025
the grim realities behind a sunny island
Organized crime including people smuggling is the dark background to the story, with the island of Malta starring as main location. Not for the cosy crime fan: the description of the various ways in which people can be callous to one another is shocking. The main character, a Maltese Inspector of Police inadvertently supplies some balancing humour.
Organized crime including people smuggling is the dark background to the story, with the island of Malta starring as main location. Not for the cosy crime fan: the description of the various ways in which people can be callous to one another is shocking. The main character, a Maltese Inspector of Police inadvertently supplies some balancing humour.
December 9, 2023
I highly recommend this fast-paced thriller, centered on Malta with tie-ins to Italian Mafia and Libyan Extremists. I live in Malta so I appreciated depictions of local places. However by any measure, this is a fabulous novel with memorable characters, twisty plot, plus surprises and suspense to keep me turning the pages.
December 12, 2024
I bought this at the airport on arrival in Malta three days ago. An extremely well-researched and well-written story which has a terrific plot fuelled by great pace. Full of intrigue, heightened for me having been a police officer. Highly recommended; I picked up the next book in the series and started reading it straight away, glad that I still have some days here.
March 14, 2023
Bought for me by a mutual friend. Couldn't put it down. Very different with the Malta setting and the 'bromance' between Inspector George Zammit and his Libyan friend Abdullah Belkacem. The added intrigue of The Family lends an exciting twist to the story. Read it!
June 17, 2023
An excellent read
This book kept me gripped from beginning to end.
As a Maltese lover I could imagine the places mentioned.
This book introduces George Zammit and his encounters with criminals both in Malta, Sicilia and North Africa.
Well written. I am a fan.
This book kept me gripped from beginning to end.
As a Maltese lover I could imagine the places mentioned.
This book introduces George Zammit and his encounters with criminals both in Malta, Sicilia and North Africa.
Well written. I am a fan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews