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Detective Shona Oliver #5
A Troubled Tide: A gripping police procedural from an exciting new voice in Scottish crime
The threat has never been so close to home… DI Shona Oliver’s fellow officer PC Hayley Cameron drowns during a triathlon in the Solway Firth. The post-mortem reveals drugs in Hayley's system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests foul play.
Shona and her colleagues investigate, but those closest to Hayley grapple with the truth and risk letting personal feelings cloud their judgement. Could the answers to Hayley’s death lie within Shona’s own ranks?
As the case hits the buffers, Shona clashes with her daughter and also faces difficult questions about the murder of her old boss. Will Shona keep her head above the water long enough to see justice done, and what will it cost her if she does?
The latest thrilling instalment in the unputdownable police procedural series by Lynne McEwan. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Neil Lancaster.
Praise for A Troubled Tide ‘One of the best series I have ever read... Lynne McEwan has delivered an excellent police procedural’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A page-turner. There are plenty of surprises and twists along the way’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love this series so much! In Shona Oliver you have a multi-faceted character’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A rollercoaster ride of emotions! Twists galore… I was totally hooked from start to finish’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I am a long term fan of this series… exceptionally well crafted’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite authors… well written with good plot lines and strong characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shona and her colleagues investigate, but those closest to Hayley grapple with the truth and risk letting personal feelings cloud their judgement. Could the answers to Hayley’s death lie within Shona’s own ranks?
As the case hits the buffers, Shona clashes with her daughter and also faces difficult questions about the murder of her old boss. Will Shona keep her head above the water long enough to see justice done, and what will it cost her if she does?
The latest thrilling instalment in the unputdownable police procedural series by Lynne McEwan. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Neil Lancaster.
Praise for A Troubled Tide ‘One of the best series I have ever read... Lynne McEwan has delivered an excellent police procedural’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A page-turner. There are plenty of surprises and twists along the way’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love this series so much! In Shona Oliver you have a multi-faceted character’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A rollercoaster ride of emotions! Twists galore… I was totally hooked from start to finish’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I am a long term fan of this series… exceptionally well crafted’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite authors… well written with good plot lines and strong characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
312 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2025
63 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Lynne McEwan
9 books87 followersGlasgow-born Lynne McEwan is a former national newspaper photographer turned crime author. She's covered stories including the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War in addition to many high profile murder cases.
She currently lives in Lincoln and is in the final year of an MA in Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia.
She currently lives in Lincoln and is in the final year of an MA in Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 1, 2026
This excellent Scottish crime novel is the 5th volume of the wonderful and humanlike "Di Shona Oliver" series.
The author's storytelling is superb, all characters are very believable and lifelike in this tale about deception, murder, drugs and gangs, while police procedures are magnificently executed throughout.
In this book DI Shona Oliver and her team will be tested to their limit, in their attempt to find the killer of PC Haley Cameron, who was killed while taking part in a triathlon in the Solway Firth.
With the assistance of DS Murdo O'Halloran, DC's Ravi Sarwar and Kate Irving, and others, while south of the border DC Dan Ridley of Cumbria CID will play his part, they will struggle at first to find the evidence to bring to justice the perpetrator(s) of this horrendous crime.
The investigation into Haley's death will take priority, while other cases with the Cameron family at the heart of other evil dealings will need to be dealt with, before after determined policework the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place, and arrest will finally be made of people responsible for Hayley's death, as well as the other cases concerning the Cameron family.
What is to follow is an engrossing and action-packed police procedure, with a main plot and several sub-plots, that will intertwine into each other in a most brilliant fashion, to make this book such a sublime read from start to finish.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this amazing series and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enthralling Troubled Tide"!
The author's storytelling is superb, all characters are very believable and lifelike in this tale about deception, murder, drugs and gangs, while police procedures are magnificently executed throughout.
In this book DI Shona Oliver and her team will be tested to their limit, in their attempt to find the killer of PC Haley Cameron, who was killed while taking part in a triathlon in the Solway Firth.
With the assistance of DS Murdo O'Halloran, DC's Ravi Sarwar and Kate Irving, and others, while south of the border DC Dan Ridley of Cumbria CID will play his part, they will struggle at first to find the evidence to bring to justice the perpetrator(s) of this horrendous crime.
The investigation into Haley's death will take priority, while other cases with the Cameron family at the heart of other evil dealings will need to be dealt with, before after determined policework the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place, and arrest will finally be made of people responsible for Hayley's death, as well as the other cases concerning the Cameron family.
What is to follow is an engrossing and action-packed police procedure, with a main plot and several sub-plots, that will intertwine into each other in a most brilliant fashion, to make this book such a sublime read from start to finish.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this amazing series and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enthralling Troubled Tide"!
September 21, 2025
3.75 / 5.0
Great book from start to finish, I found the characters and dynamic easy to pick up (probably can even read as a standalone) starting on the third book of the series. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, with twists that I did not see coming. We see the sides of Shona Oliver on her personal and professional struggles which were shown very balanced, alongside that we gain an insight of her team and their struggles too. I found the book relatable and realistic, especially at the high tension scenes that I found to be described honestly and captured the natural human emotions. I did find the ending to be shocking in a way that I didn’t expect the events to occur!
The book centres around the death of PC Hayley Cameron who frowns on a triathlon. The post northern rebels that there were drugs in Hayley’s systems which were performance self administered performance enhancers, with a puncture wound on the back of her wetsuit. Just as Shona is making way with the events of the death of their very own additional police events (deaths and drugs related crimes) within the area show up which require the team of solve multiple incidents. There’s a question on whether the death of Hayley is clouding their own judgements, or whether the answer is very simple! It’s a great book from start to finish, I found it entertaining but also unpredictable!
Great book from start to finish, I found the characters and dynamic easy to pick up (probably can even read as a standalone) starting on the third book of the series. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, with twists that I did not see coming. We see the sides of Shona Oliver on her personal and professional struggles which were shown very balanced, alongside that we gain an insight of her team and their struggles too. I found the book relatable and realistic, especially at the high tension scenes that I found to be described honestly and captured the natural human emotions. I did find the ending to be shocking in a way that I didn’t expect the events to occur!
The book centres around the death of PC Hayley Cameron who frowns on a triathlon. The post northern rebels that there were drugs in Hayley’s systems which were performance self administered performance enhancers, with a puncture wound on the back of her wetsuit. Just as Shona is making way with the events of the death of their very own additional police events (deaths and drugs related crimes) within the area show up which require the team of solve multiple incidents. There’s a question on whether the death of Hayley is clouding their own judgements, or whether the answer is very simple! It’s a great book from start to finish, I found it entertaining but also unpredictable!
November 20, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐ This a good read as per usual from McEwan! This series is a great solid female detective storyline. I do think Shona had a bit less umph in this book than the last few but I think that was purposeful to where she was personally. I did actually shed d few tears in the plane at the ending, so wouldn’t recommend reading the few chapters in public! Have the next book already on my wish list for Xmas!
March 23, 2026
An enjoyable read. I had read the one before this so it was good to continue with the characters' lives and I love the setting as I know that part of the country well.
This was a good plot and although I had worked out some of it, I still enjoyed seeing how it all came together.
There are many aspects of Shona Oliver's life which remain to be sorted out so I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens next!
Enjoyable and easy to read.
This was a good plot and although I had worked out some of it, I still enjoyed seeing how it all came together.
There are many aspects of Shona Oliver's life which remain to be sorted out so I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens next!
Enjoyable and easy to read.
October 9, 2025
I am a long term fan of this series so was thrilled to be able to read an advanced copy. It’s not always easy for a long term series to maintain an emotional truth and avoid slipping into formula territory but Lynne McEwen keeps the overarching story engaging and truthful. Shonas’s annoying husband is out of the picture and Shona is pondering next steps. The mystery itself is well crafted. Definitely recommend this one.
July 19, 2025
Detective Shona Oliver is out on the lifeboat as part of the support crew for the local triathlon. As well as it being a fundraiser she also has two of her fellow officers taking part. Hayley is one of the best amateurs, who could possible go pro sometime soon. It is a shock when suddenly Hayley seems to struggle. The lifeboat as well as Hayley's friend & competitor go to her aid but in spite of their best efforts Hayley dies. The postmorum reveals she had been injected with something before the race but more shocking is the discovery that she might have been using performance enhancing drugs. When investigating this, Kate, who is part of Shona's team sails close to the wind by her insistance that Hayley wouldn't do that. When Shona's daughter Becca goes to an environmental festival and an attendee is found dead in their tent there may well be a link between the drugs Hayley had and the ones that may have killed this person.
I have really enjoyed the previous books in the series & this one was no disappointment. In addition to the whodunnit element the thing that shines through is the characters that jump off the page and make you root (or otherwise!) for them. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read review this book. I can't wait for the next one.
I have really enjoyed the previous books in the series & this one was no disappointment. In addition to the whodunnit element the thing that shines through is the characters that jump off the page and make you root (or otherwise!) for them. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read review this book. I can't wait for the next one.
March 3, 2025
Thanks to Lynne and NetGalley for allowing me to read A Troubled Tide before the publication date.
This is the 5th book in the D.I. Shona Oliver series. I won’t elaborate on the description in order to avoid spoilers.
Shona has to manage the problems in her personal life, (not least her cheating narcissistic husband, Rob, who was convicted of money laundering), in addition to her professional workload, making an invitation to move to L.A. very tempting.
Ever reliable, Sgt Murdo O’Halloran continues to provide explanations of local mythology and an in depth knowledge of the local community.
Sophie Gibb is the new recruit to the Lifeboat team and is already making an impression.
Weaving several storylines, the book combines being an easy read whilst also being a page turner. There are plenty of surprises (shocks?) and twists along the way and first impressions are not always right.
How will the end result influence Shona’s decision to continue with the job which she loves or move to the States?
This is the 5th book in the D.I. Shona Oliver series. I won’t elaborate on the description in order to avoid spoilers.
Shona has to manage the problems in her personal life, (not least her cheating narcissistic husband, Rob, who was convicted of money laundering), in addition to her professional workload, making an invitation to move to L.A. very tempting.
Ever reliable, Sgt Murdo O’Halloran continues to provide explanations of local mythology and an in depth knowledge of the local community.
Sophie Gibb is the new recruit to the Lifeboat team and is already making an impression.
Weaving several storylines, the book combines being an easy read whilst also being a page turner. There are plenty of surprises (shocks?) and twists along the way and first impressions are not always right.
How will the end result influence Shona’s decision to continue with the job which she loves or move to the States?
April 16, 2025
Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first page! A Troubled Tide is an emotional, gripping, and twist-filled addition to Lynne McEwan’s brilliant police procedural series, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Set in Sourhern Scotland, A Troubled Tide is the 5th Installment in the ‘DI Shona Oliver’ series.
PC Hayley Cameron’s death during a triathlon instantly pulled me in, especially when it’s revealed there’s more to her drowning than meets the eye. The mix of performance-enhancing drugs and a suspicious puncture in her wetsuit raises serious questions, and DI Shona Oliver is right at the center of it all. I loved following Shona as she unpicked the truth while also juggling difficult tensions at home and shadows from her past.
The investigation is layered and full of twists I didn’t see coming, and the way the main plot and subplots tie together is so satisfying, I breezed through it in just a little over six hours.
Many thanks to the author, and the publishers for the earc copy via netgalley.
March 9, 2025
DI Shona Oliver’s fellow officer PC Hayley Cameron drowns during a triathlon in the Solway Firth. The post-mortem reveals drugs in Hayley's system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests foul play.
This was an utterly gripping story that grabs you by the throat. It kept me on the edge of my seat and right in the first chapter, the speed is full on. The story is easy to read and well thought of. I couldn’t put this book down and it was engaging from the first page.
I enjoyed the ride and kept me glued to the pages for the duration. I really had a fun time. It will keep you guessing about what happened and will happen.
It is a well written story with a good plot and well described characters. It has relatively short chapters.
This is the fifth book in the series about DI Shona Oliver. But it certainly makes me curious to know more about her and read the other books about her. I really recommend this one!
This was an utterly gripping story that grabs you by the throat. It kept me on the edge of my seat and right in the first chapter, the speed is full on. The story is easy to read and well thought of. I couldn’t put this book down and it was engaging from the first page.
I enjoyed the ride and kept me glued to the pages for the duration. I really had a fun time. It will keep you guessing about what happened and will happen.
It is a well written story with a good plot and well described characters. It has relatively short chapters.
This is the fifth book in the series about DI Shona Oliver. But it certainly makes me curious to know more about her and read the other books about her. I really recommend this one!
March 9, 2025
This is the 5th book in the brilliant DI Shona Oliver series.
Omg that was a rollercoaster ride of emotions! There was twists galore I didn't see coming. I was totally hooked from start to finish. I will happily recommend this book to every reader I know. Loved it.
DI Shona Oliver’s fellow officer PC Hayley Cameron drowns during a triathlon in the Solway Firth. The post-mortem reveals drugs in Hayley's system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests foul play.
Shona and her colleagues investigate, but those closest to Hayley grapple with the truth and risk letting personal feelings cloud their judgement. Could the answers to Hayley’s death lie within Shona’s own ranks?
As the case hits the buffers, Shona clashes with her daughter and also faces difficult questions about the murder of her old boss. Will Shona keep her head above the water long enough to see justice done, and what will it cost her if she does?
Omg that was a rollercoaster ride of emotions! There was twists galore I didn't see coming. I was totally hooked from start to finish. I will happily recommend this book to every reader I know. Loved it.
DI Shona Oliver’s fellow officer PC Hayley Cameron drowns during a triathlon in the Solway Firth. The post-mortem reveals drugs in Hayley's system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests foul play.
Shona and her colleagues investigate, but those closest to Hayley grapple with the truth and risk letting personal feelings cloud their judgement. Could the answers to Hayley’s death lie within Shona’s own ranks?
As the case hits the buffers, Shona clashes with her daughter and also faces difficult questions about the murder of her old boss. Will Shona keep her head above the water long enough to see justice done, and what will it cost her if she does?
March 16, 2025
This is #5 in the Detective Shona Oliver series but can be read as a standalone.
DI Shona is also a volunteer with the RNLI so she’s on duty for a local triathlon. Two police officers are taking part but one of them, Hayley, drowns, despite the help of the lifeboat volunteers.
It looks like an accident until needle marks are found on Hayley’s body, so it seems that she’s been taking performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Shona’s team then have to work hard to find the killer before they strike again.
A great storyline that had me gripped but, unfortunately, my train of thought kept getting interrupted in order to translate the vernacular. I can manage words like ‘mebbe’ but ‘sleekit’ needed an internet search, for example. I don’t think I’ve read another book where the local accent is described in such detail and I found it quite frustrating. But that’s just my personal opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
DI Shona is also a volunteer with the RNLI so she’s on duty for a local triathlon. Two police officers are taking part but one of them, Hayley, drowns, despite the help of the lifeboat volunteers.
It looks like an accident until needle marks are found on Hayley’s body, so it seems that she’s been taking performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Shona’s team then have to work hard to find the killer before they strike again.
A great storyline that had me gripped but, unfortunately, my train of thought kept getting interrupted in order to translate the vernacular. I can manage words like ‘mebbe’ but ‘sleekit’ needed an internet search, for example. I don’t think I’ve read another book where the local accent is described in such detail and I found it quite frustrating. But that’s just my personal opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
April 13, 2025
I have read and enjoyed all of this series so far. Most of the books have been 5 star ratings for me, this one is 4. I like the characters, though Shona, the main detective, is troubled in this book, professionally and in her personal life . It took me a fair few chapters to engage with the plot, which starts with the death of one of her colleagues. Saying that, the different strands of the plot do start to come together as the book progresses and I liked the book more. The Scottish location is interesting and there is a little dialect in the book. THe team are mostly in other books too, though this is fine as a stand-alone
Thanks to Net Galley forthe ARC
Thanks to Net Galley forthe ARC
March 27, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Detective Shona Oliver series does a nice job with its police procedural aspects. Shona Oliver is a Detective Inspector. I would read these books in order for the personal growth and relationships. I like the setting in Scotland, the mysteries and cases, the police procedures, and less, Shona's personal situations.
Shona struggles with her husband Rob, who came from money, and her teen, Becca, who is going through somewhat normal ups and downs. She loves them but I can't say either is very kind to her. Rob is in jail for his schemes. Becca is angry with him for his crimes and for cheating on Shona. Money is a less of a problem, since Shona's old school friend bought part of the B & B. Shona is having a long distance relationship with James who is living and working in America, a famous actor. His ex-wife and children are there.
Shona is at the lifeboat as there is a triathlon. Hayley, one of the police force is competing, so there are other officers on hand, including Kate, a DC from Shona's team, best friend of Hayley. Hayley struggles and while they pull her out to get medical attention quickly, she dies. The autopsy reveals probable performance enhancing drugs and a puncture would which indicates foul play.
The investigation is very connected to the police which makes some things more difficult. Hayley's fiance, and they live together, is also on the force. Kate is emotional and unprofessional, adding to the problems Shona faces. Hayley's family is part of the criminal element in the area which makes it harder to talk to them.
The plot and investigation were engaging. I wasn't very happy with some things in the investigation. I found Kate and other team members annoying. I felt irritated by her daughter Becca also. Shona's own secrets from the past were also wearing on her.
The case ended with a certain solution but the various personal situations feels like a heavy weight.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Detective Shona Oliver series does a nice job with its police procedural aspects. Shona Oliver is a Detective Inspector. I would read these books in order for the personal growth and relationships. I like the setting in Scotland, the mysteries and cases, the police procedures, and less, Shona's personal situations.
Shona struggles with her husband Rob, who came from money, and her teen, Becca, who is going through somewhat normal ups and downs. She loves them but I can't say either is very kind to her. Rob is in jail for his schemes. Becca is angry with him for his crimes and for cheating on Shona. Money is a less of a problem, since Shona's old school friend bought part of the B & B. Shona is having a long distance relationship with James who is living and working in America, a famous actor. His ex-wife and children are there.
Shona is at the lifeboat as there is a triathlon. Hayley, one of the police force is competing, so there are other officers on hand, including Kate, a DC from Shona's team, best friend of Hayley. Hayley struggles and while they pull her out to get medical attention quickly, she dies. The autopsy reveals probable performance enhancing drugs and a puncture would which indicates foul play.
The investigation is very connected to the police which makes some things more difficult. Hayley's fiance, and they live together, is also on the force. Kate is emotional and unprofessional, adding to the problems Shona faces. Hayley's family is part of the criminal element in the area which makes it harder to talk to them.
The plot and investigation were engaging. I wasn't very happy with some things in the investigation. I found Kate and other team members annoying. I felt irritated by her daughter Becca also. Shona's own secrets from the past were also wearing on her.
The case ended with a certain solution but the various personal situations feels like a heavy weight.
May 2, 2025
I'm a big fan of Lynne McEwan's Detective Shona Oliver books and this one was as good as the others. I like the way they flow on, one book to the next. Her characters are strong and her story lines convincing with a snappy twist to keep the reader guessing to the end. It is these characteristics that lead me to give this book 5* but there are a couple of things I do find annoying! Murdo has suddenly developed a strong regional accent which I found clunky and also, why in so much crime fiction does the detective have to have a rebellious teenage daughter?
July 22, 2025
Apparently this is the fifth novel to feature DI Shona Oliver, RNLI member and CID team leader whose colleague, PC Hayley Cameron (who just happens to be related to a major crime family) drowns during a triathlon. Performance enhancing drugs are found in Cameron's system along with a mysterious puncture mark in her wetsuit which suggests foul play...
Quite engaging, good holiday fare although the relationship with Hollywood star James was unnecessarily unsubtle, pages of which were easily skipped without intruding on the narrative.
Quite engaging, good holiday fare although the relationship with Hollywood star James was unnecessarily unsubtle, pages of which were easily skipped without intruding on the narrative.
March 14, 2025
Another brilliant read in the DI Shona Oliver series, set in southern Scotland. This is an easy read, with several layers but filled with suspense and a few twists along the way. I was totally gripped by the characters as they investigated the death of a colleague and keep their emotions in check. A few surprises kept me guessing, as did the ending, for Shona's future. I highly recommend the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
December 31, 2025
Although I found the style a bit laboured at first - mainly as it outlined various practical details of life boat rescues and police procedures - I was soon caught up in the characters and the plot. I decided the style suits the practical detective, Shona Oliver, in her stressful work life as she sorts through a tangled mess of crimes with unexpected turns.
January 1, 2026
Well-p0pulated with thoughtful and articulate seekers of the truth and those who desire, often aided with violence, to hide it, there are myriad twists and turns to investigate before the perpetrator is finally nailed. Fireworks celebrating the beginning of a new year merely caused a pause in my continuing to read on to the end.
May 26, 2025
A young woman police officer dies at the beginning of a triathlon. It is quickly discovered that she was injected with a drug which caused her death. The ensuing investigation covers a lot of possible suspects as well as difficulties among the police officers investigating.
April 26, 2025
worth the wait
Great falling back into the main character & her daily life. Felt like coming home. Tempted to go back and read the first 4 books again!
Great falling back into the main character & her daily life. Felt like coming home. Tempted to go back and read the first 4 books again!
June 23, 2025
Great story kept gripped from start to finish with all the twists and turns look forward to reading more by this author.
June 28, 2025
Wow! This was brilliant! Read it in a day! I don’t know how long we have to wait for the next book but it’s too long!
January 7, 2026
3.5 stars. It definitely improves as you get closer to the end.
March 13, 2026
A bit of everything in this book.
April 3, 2026
An emotional story
There is virtually every emotion featured in this excellent story. I have enjoyed all five of the series in quick succession and look forward to the next.
There is virtually every emotion featured in this excellent story. I have enjoyed all five of the series in quick succession and look forward to the next.
July 22, 2025
Another enjoyable read from this author, I like the characters and look forward to reading the continuation of their story. It got a bit confusing towards the middle when various villains turned up and it was easy to get lost in what was happening.
April 9, 2025
A good yarn, mix of characters
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews