MoMoBookDiary

My review

From the moment Murder Under the Pier opened, I was completely drawn in. Max Manning’s writing is brilliant – sharp, atmospheric, and utterly immersive. His descriptive scene-setting transports you straight to the bleak, windswept Southend coastline, where the discovery of a millionaire’s body beneath the pier sets off a dark and intricate investigation. The chilling, almost cinematic quality of his descriptions makes every location feel vivid, from the rusted beams of the pier to the eerie shores of Two Tree Island.

What I particularly love about this book is the dynamic between the two detectives working together. There’s something about the trust, the shared burden, and the way they have each other’s backs that makes the story even more compelling. Kane and Granger’s partnership is one of the best I’ve come across. Their bond feels authentic, built on mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s personal struggles. Manning seamlessly weaves in their backstories, making them feel like real detectives patrolling the streets of Southend rather than just characters on a page.

The mystery itself is masterfully crafted, with twists that constantly kept me re-evaluating my suspicions. Manning’s ability to build suspense is impressive, and the final revelations are as satisfying as they are shocking.

I already know I’ll be reading everything I can from Max Manning. In fact, I’ve got the first book in the series lined up next because I need to know how this incredible detective duo came together. That said, Murder Under the Pier works perfectly as a standalone, but if you love crime thrillers as much as I do, you’ll want more. An outstanding read — dark, gripping, and impossible to put down.