Too Much of Water: a gripping historical crime novel

Eastwold, once a great port, is fighting a losing battle with the sea. The Admiralty's candidate, Admiral Digges, ends up in a fishing net, and John Grey, Justice of the Peace and former spy, is asked to uncover the truth. He is met with suspicion and polite obstruction from the voters, and then another suspicious death occurs. Will Grey uncover the murderer before the last of the town vanishes beneath the waves? Len Tyler writes with great charm and wit, and the book is praised for its dizzying whirl of plot and counterplot, lively dialogue, and wickedly witty one-liners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Eastwold, once a thriving port in England, has been battling the relentless forces of the sea ever since it received its charter from King John. The once-grand cliffs, which once stood tall and proud, have been slowly eroded by the relentless waves, leaving only a handful of houses standing as a testament to its former glory. Despite its diminished state, Eastwold still manages to send two MPs to Parliament and attracts wealthy businessmen from London who are willing to pay top dollar for the votes of the remaining burgesses. The voters eagerly anticipate a profitable bye-election, hoping to secure a seat in Parliament for their chosen candidate. However, their hopes are dashed when the Admiralty's candidate, the unpopular Admiral Digges, ends up in a fishing net, seemingly drowned just as his prospective constituency. The question remains: Was it an accident, as the coroner has ruled, or was Digges murdered, as the Admiralty fears?

Enter John Grey, a Justice of the Peace and former spy, who receives a request from the authorities to unravel the truth behind this mysterious incident. As spring cautiously approaches the windswept east coast, Grey begins to interrogate the remaining residents and other well-paid officials of the non-existent town. He is met with suspicion and polite obstruction from the voters, who are reluctant to divulge any information. However, another suspicious death occurs, further deepening the mystery.

Determined to uncover the murderer before Eastwold vanishes beneath the waves, Grey delves deeper into the town's secrets, unearthing long-buried lies and hidden agendas. With each passing day, the stakes become higher, and Grey must navigate through a web of deceit and treachery to unravel the truth. As he closes in on the culprit, Grey discovers that the town's history is intertwined with the dark secrets of the Admiralty, and that the fate of the entire town hangs in the balance.

In this captivating novel, Len Tyler weaves a intricate web of plot and counterplot, juggling his characters, story, wit, and clever one-liners with perfect balance. The reader is transported to the picturesque town of Eastwold, where every character is intricately crafted and layered with mystery. The pace is fast and exhilarating, with lively dialogue and wickedly witty one-liners that are salted with sophistication. Tyler's writing is a testament to his talent and ability to keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

John Grey, the protagonist of the novel, is a fascinating character. He is a man of contradictions, with a troubled past and a thirst for justice. Grey's journey throughout the novel is filled with challenges and obstacles, but his determination and wit propel him forward. He is a master of disguise and deception, using his skills to navigate through the town's treacherous waters and uncover the truth.

The supporting characters in the novel are equally compelling. From the enigmatic voters who withhold information to the corrupt officials who are willing to do anything to maintain their power, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. The town's history is also explored in detail, with references to the naval battles that once took place on its shores and the political machinations that have shaped its destiny.

Eastwold is a haunting and atmospheric novel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Len Tyler's writing is a masterclass in mystery and suspense, and his characters are unforgettable. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and intrigue.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 135 x 262 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472135063