The Devil and the Dark Water

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton is a gripping historical murder mystery set in the 17th century. The novel follows a suspenseful plot aboard a Dutch East India Company ship, the Saardam, as it sets sail from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) to Amsterdam. The journey becomes a nightmarish ordeal when a series of grisly murders and supernatural events plague the ship's crew and passengers. The novel features an intriguing blend of mystery, historical detail, and dark, atmospheric elements.

The story centers around Samuel Pipps, a brilliant detective, who is imprisoned and on his way back to Amsterdam. His loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes, is left to solve the series of bizarre occurrences on the ship in Pipps’ absence. As Hayes delves into the mystery, he uncovers unsettling secrets and confronts terrifying forces, all while navigating a treacherous voyage.

Why read this book

• Immerse yourself in a richly detailed 17th-century setting with a haunting, suspenseful atmosphere.
• Enjoy a tightly woven plot full of twists and turns, with multiple layers of intrigue and red herrings.
• Experience an authentic portrayal of life on a 17th-century ship and the social dynamics of the time.
• Engage with a story that blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, adding a chilling layer to the mystery.
• Follow well-developed characters with intriguing backstories and motivations, adding depth to the mystery.

About the Author

Stuart Turton is a British author known for his inventive and genre-blending novels. His debut novel, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, received widespread acclaim for its original and complex narrative structure. Turton’s writing is characterized by intricate plots, rich historical settings, and a flair for combining traditional mystery elements with unique twists. With The Devil and the Dark Water, Turton continues to build his reputation as a master of suspense and historical intrigue.