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The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
It would be an understatement to say that I had great expectations for The Devil and the Dark Water. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Stuart Turton’s first book, left me incredibly impressed. I was aware of his abilities, including his capacity for complicated plotting, evocative imagery, and page-turning suspense.
But in all honesty, he has raised the bar with The Devil and the Dark Water. Undoubtedly, this intriguing locked-room mystery is another that has been masterfully planned. But Turton’s character development in this book is just as outstanding, if not more so.
Wonderful characters
In the seventeenth century, superstition and religious devotion dominated everyday life for the average person. Wealth, power, and those who wield them frequently go hand in hand. King-makers are paid mercenaries, and daughters who are ready for marriage are traded for financial benefit.
Before protecting Sammy, Arent spent eighteen years as a mercenary. The only things on his mind back then were the sabre, the shot, and whatever was trying to kill him very soon. He didn’t have the money to waste time worrying pointlessly. Half of the spear was buried in the breast of the mercenary who spotted it and then gave it too much attention. Now, whenever he saw the spear, he would ponder its maker, how it got into the soldier’s hands, who the guy was, why he was there, and a host of other questions. It was a miserable gift that didn’t give him anything in particular.
Those few, clear-eyed individuals who exhibit opposing insight or intelligence are labelled as being possessed or witches, especially women. What then is a wise, determined parent like Sara to do to safeguard her brilliant daughter? Shouting at a guy in public was frowned upon, especially by senior Company officers. She was expected to put on deference every morning, along with her bodice and cap.
Teach her to cultivate her skills in private and conceal her intelligence in public while continually looking for a way for them to be released. “Keep that cleverness in your pocket, Lia. We’re surrounded by won’t take kindly to it, however well intentioned.” … “Because men don’t like being made to feel stupid, and there’s no other way to feel when you start talking.” Sara stroked her daughter’s face, wishing she could ease the confusion she saw there. “Cleverness is a type of strength, and they won’t accept a woman who’s stronger than they are. Their pride won’t allow it, and their pride is the thing they hold dearest.”
Humour, heart and pace
Take note of the subliminal humor—often dark humor—included in Arent and Sara’s comments. These are the main and incredibly engaging alternate character points of view used to tell this hilarious tale of The Devil and the Dark Water. I was captivated and on the edge of my seat the entire time because to Turton’s short chapters and the constant peril these individuals face.
This novel’s pace never slows down, which is no small accomplishment for such an ambitiously plotted and somewhat large book. And I thought the conclusion was really great. Saying much more would give away The Devil and the Dark Water’s readers’ many delightful little ingenious and touching surprises.
About The Book
the outstanding new book by bestselling novelist Stuart Turton, who also wrote The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, which won the Costa Best First Novel Award. The greatest investigator in history, Samuel Pipps, is being brought to Amsterdam in 1634 to be put to death for a crime he may or may not have committed. His devoted bodyguard, Arent Hayes, travels with him and is determined to show his friend’s innocence.
But as soon as they are at sea, the journey is marred by evil. A leper who has died twice prowls the decks. On the sails, strange markings can be seen. Animals are butchered. Three more passengers, including Samuel, are then designated for execution. Could their misfortunes be the result of a demon?
Only Arent can unravel a mystery that unites every passenger because Pipps is in jail. An unsolved secret from their past now poses a threat to destroy the ship and kill everyone on board.
The Review
The Devil and the Dark Water
9.5 Score
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton is a historical nautical mystery that takes an Agatha Christie plot and adds the devil. The plot has so many twist and turns that all make sense. The novel is a fun who done it, with so many suspects that will make you head spin.
PROS
- A historical nautical mystery.
- Eerie, atmospheric and twisty.
- Historical crime fiction.
- Unique, exciting, and darn fun.
CONS
- Gah - What a Letdown.
- Energetically bad.
- Too much occult stuff.
- Just a total disaster.
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