The Dark Below: A Chilling Cornwall Crime Thriller

Malcolm Richards

Nov 2023 · PI Blake Hollow Book 3 · Storm House Books

About this ebook

In the mist-shrouded fishing village of Porthenev, a ravenous evil is lurking.

When sabotage threatens the local fishing fleet, the desperate community turns to private investigator Blake Hollow—on the advice of her estranged father. Taking the case means opening the door to a relationship she’s tried to leave behind, and a past she’s not ready to forgive. But Blake must set her feelings aside to uncover the truth, because this is not the work of a mere vandal.

A sunken trawler and mutilated seabirds are only the beginning. When a fisherman vanishes, leaving behind signs of brutal violence, Blake realises she's tracking someone with a bloody vendetta—and that the fishermen are hiding a deadly secret.

As winter gales batter the shores and dense fog cloaks the empty streets, Blake must hunt a predator whose hunger for revenge has spiralled into something terrifyingly savage. But in this ghost town, where innocence is just an illusion, solving the case could make her the final course of the killer’s twisted feast.

Perfect for fans of Sharon Bolton and Peter May, The Dark Below plunges readers into a maritime nightmare where buried sins and unrelenting fury collide.

Discover more dark thrillers with PI Blake Hollow:

Standalone investigations that can be read in any order.

1. Circle of Bones

2. Down in the Blood

3. The Dark Below

4. The Devil's Hand

Ratings and reviews

I think I've read all the Blake Hollow series books and this one didn't disappoint! Blake is a private investigator whose investigation happens to cross over with a murder and she ends up trying to solve both. I like the way the book is written, it's easy to read, with a few gruesome moments! If you like a thriller, you'll like this one.

A gripping story which is well written and atmospheric. After being hired as a PI to investigate incidents of vandalism at the harbour Blake digs deeper and looks into things that happened in the past which is when things start to escalate. This is another well written story from Malcolm Richards which had me gripped from start to finish. The characters are well written, the descriptions of Cornwall bring the setting to life. I highly recommend the latest book in The Blake Hollow Series.

Blake Hollow investigates a series of incidents in a fishing village ending with the horrific decapitation of seagulls. Then a mother of two is murdered and her husband goes missing followed by another missing person. Later their mutilated bodies are found. Blake is up against a vicious killer who will not hesitate to kill anyone who comes in the way of his vengeful vendetta. A story which was mind-boggling. The author aptly portrays the psyche of the killer and his victims. I enjoyed the suspense and twists in the book.

About the author

Malcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, UK, where he was born and raised.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and their pets.