The Devil and the Dark Water

Written by Stuart Turton

Narrated by James Cameron Stewart

A murder on the high seas. A remarkable detective duo. A demon who may or may not exist.



The extraordinary new novel from Stuart Turton, author of the bestselling The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, winner of the Costa Best First Novel Award.



It's 1634 and Samuel Pipps, the world's greatest detective, is being transported to Amsterdam to be executed for a crime he may, or may not, have committed. Traveling with him is his loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes, who is determined to prove his friend innocent.



But no sooner are they out to sea than devilry begins to blight the voyage. A twice-dead leper stalks the decks. Strange symbols appear on the sails. Livestock is slaughtered.



And then three passengers are marked for death, including Samuel.



Could a demon be responsible for their misfortunes?



With Pipps imprisoned, only Arent can solve a mystery that connects every passenger. A mystery that stretches back into their past and now threatens to sink the ship, killing everybody on board.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705268445

Stuart Turton

STUART TURTON is a freelance journalist who lives in West London with his wife. Turton is not to be trusted—in the nicest possible way. He is the author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water.

[Stephanie Stiltner Foret · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I regret using 1 of my audio books for this book since scribed starts restricting books after a few listens. The narrator’s voice is like a monotonous professor that requires active focus to not let it fade into the background. The book itself was slow and boring at times. The premise and ending were interesting but lots of extra padding in the book.

[Alyssa McIntosh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kept me guessing until the end! Turton’s writing style and character development is on point. I look forward to more of his books in the future!

[Max Buck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is the second that I’ve read by Stuart Turton. I thoroughly enjoyed the melting pot of genres that he created in this story, and loved every advancement of the plot

[Rachel Stacy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely fantastic!! I definitely would recommend this read. It’s Sherlock meets Pirates with a twist. I binged the whole book in 3 days

[Rachel Bertram · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book was ridiculous. It’s too many genres and far too long. I honestly don’t know who would like this. The mystery takes far too long to solve. For a book that makes itself an obvious recreation of a Sherlock Holmes story, it’s a far-cry.

Once the mystery was solved, I was shocked at how convoluted it became. Honestly stupid.

[Nick Hilton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wanted to like it more since his first book is so good. The characters and homage to Holmes are really fun. The solution to the mystery is clever, although not as satisfying as I'd like. Unfortunately, a lot of the book is just a slog. I think not enough minor mysteries to solve along the way.

[riida_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Evelyn Hardcastle has turned me into an overnight Stuart Turton fan. This book, however...is not another Hardcastle novel.

The thing that annoyed me the most about it is the very many coincidences and plot conveniences...the sense of serendipity took away from the murder-mystery-fun i was hoping for. I think its a testament to the author's storytelling abilities that I kept engrossly reading in spite of this, and for that I cannot rate it lower than 4 stars.

I think this will be better on my second reading, now that i know not to approach it like a Sherlock Holmes-like mystery, but more like a Treasure Island adventure.

[dorritt_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a cunning combination of detective novel, horror fiction, and high seas adventure, set in the 1600s. The baddies: the Dutch East India Company – as is so often the case in books of this era, right? The detectives: Samuel Pipps & Arent Hayes, the Holmes/Watson duo assigned the task of tracking down a potential saboteur before they manage to scuttle the ship that is transporting an East India Company VIP, his entourage, and a suspicious cargo from the profitable outpost of Batavia (Indonesia) back to Amsterdam. The complication? The saboteur may or may not be a demon by the name of Old Tom.

Most of this was a rousing read. The characters may be derivative (the preternaturally brilliant detective, the world-weary mercenary, the plucky female protagonist, the merry courtesan with a heart of gold, the brutal governor, the pompous businessman, the scheming chamberlain, the villainous boatswain), but they’re an engaging lot. The overlay of supernatural horror – devils’ marks carved in posts, creepy lepers that spontaneously combust, dark alters, ghost ships, impossible murders - is wonderfully done. And Turton has a rare gift for creating plots with a huge number of moving parts. Characters constantly fall under and then emerge from suspicion, clues are scattered as abundantly as leaves in winter, mysteries nest within mysteries, and throw-away details in one chapter cleverly reveal themselves to be critical clues a few chapters later.

Moreover, unlike some mysteries, where the puzzle occurs in the first chapters and the rest of the book is given over to decidedly less interesting investigation, Turton’s tales are propulsive things that get more puzzling and interesting as they go along. This is both a literary gift but also, as it turns out, a bit of a curse, because by the time you do get to the part where “everything is unveiled,” he’s created such a tangle of nested mysteries that the only way out is a denoument so complicated and unlikely as to strain credibility – by a lot. I had the same beef with Turton’s “7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” – the first 3/4th of the book hits as a breathless roller coaster ride, but the last 1/4th just hits as bumpy and jarring. And the bit at the end where the main characters resolve upon a future course of action? This definitely smacks of authorial manipulation, an unconvincing artifice intended to spare Turton the necessity of punishing characters he’s obviously grown fond of. Admit I would have liked to have seen what this novel might have become if Turton had taken this in a different direction: less detective story, more psychological exploration of the dynamics of fear, superstition, and mass hysteria. But what’s here still provides a rewarding read, even given the leggy bits at the end.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

1634. A cursed ship sets sail for Amsterdam, containing spices, a prisoner, secrets, and passengers who are not what they seem. Will they make it to their destination, or does a demon whisper in the ears of passengers and crew, luring them to their doom?

Of the books that I've read by Turton, I like this one least, though it certainly has twists and turns aplenty. If you like historical fiction with a mystery that may or may not involve the occult, you might like it better than I did. For me, it dragged a little (maybe because I was listening to the audiobook?) and the ending felt just a bit weak.

[melline-725047 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As if his debut novel didn't knock it out of the park, this book is another home run for Stuart Turton. It's not historical fiction, pirate fiction or book abut boats, it's truly just a darned good read that I didn't want to put down to go adult.

[gingirl70 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book did not go the way I was expecting based on the description. The reason I didn't like a certain character was also the reason I figured out the whodunit before the end. I gave it a 3 because as a standalone it had a weak ending. A sequel might make it stronger.

[andy5185 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Interesting concept and time period but it just didn't pull me in as I'd hoped.

[amkitty-511462 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good mystery set against the 18th century high seas in the hey-day of the Dutch East India trading empire. Well written, it keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have it sorted, there’s another twist to make you teconsider.

I did find the decisions and justifications of the characters at the end reflected a disturbing vigilante mindset.

[krisbee-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book, engaging plot, wonderful characters and a very enjoyable read. I hope this will become a series because I can’t wait to see what comes next. Whatever Turton writes, I will be reading.

[sandman61961 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice locked room mystery. Plenty of plot and character as well as a good pace that keeps you tuning the page. Hadn't come across this author previously but will be looking forward to any future books; as well as reading his previous novel.

[aadyer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A historical novel with an underpinning of different themes. There is largely a feeling of suspense, and mystery.

However the themes of crime, passion, and conspiracy all intertwined to make this an interesting tapestry but unfortunately because of the wide variety of thematic elements I feel it lacks Paphos. Very easy to read and at times quite gripping but not a book I think I want to read again.

[vanessacw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s 1632 and Arent Hayes is accompanying Sammy Pipps to Amsterdam. Sammy is to stand trial for a crime he may or may not have committed and Arent wants to prove his innocence. But there are high jinks and bedevilment aboard their ship in the name of ‘Old Tom’ whose disciple is a leper. Strange symbols start to appear and the deaths start to mount up. Just who or what is behind these peculiar events?

This is a dark but gripping murder mystery come adventure story. It really kept me on my toes. There’s a bit of all sorts going on including a hint of the supernatural and some witchcraft. But at the heart of it is an intricate and clever plot with some fantastic characters. There’s definitely a feeling of underlying menace and it’s quite creepy too. I did find it a little confusing at times as there are quite a lot of characters, some of whom had different ways of being addressed. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the Seven Deaths of Eleanor Hardcastle but still found it an exciting and intriguing read.

[jjbooklvr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A genre blending historical tale set on the high seas aboard an Indiaman trading vessel. I loved the mix of fact and fiction and being brought into the world so vividly. Great characters, especially Sara's story arc and growth, and a twist ending I did not see coming.

[barlow304 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a mélange of genres this book contains. Part locked-room mystery, part homage to Sherlock Holmes and Watson, part swashbuckling sea adventure, and part Stephen King! Stuart Turton does an amazing job of keeping all these elements in motion, producing a whirlwind of a book.

Warning: this book induces a severe case of "Just One More Chapter Before Bed".

Although I don't think Mr. Turton plays quite fair with the reader in terms of solving the mystery, there is so much going on in the book and it's so entertaining, that I think discerning readers will forgive him this lapse.

Highly Recommended.

[passion4reading_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is 1634 and the governor general of Batavia in the Dutch East Indies is sailing back to Amsterdam to take up a position among the Gentlemen 17, the group controlling the powerful Dutch East India Company. Among the passengers are his wife and daughter, and his mistress and her two sons, as well as Samuel Pipps, the world's greatest problematary, in chains as his prisoner, and Arent, the problematary's assistant and bodyguard. But the voyage is cursed, and mysterious and inexplicable events revolving around the demon Old Tom terrorise the passengers and crew. With Pipps incarcerated, will Arent be able to solve the mystery before they all become the demon's victims?

The story is set almost entirely aboard the Saardam, which not only provides the narrative with plenty of atmosphere and tension, but also turns it into a very clever locked-room mystery. For a large chunk of the novel I couldn't tell whether there really was a supernatural agency involved or whether it was all masterful trickery. The atmosphere and suspense certainly had me hooked for the vast majority of its 552 pages; sadly the ending doesn't quite live up to expectations and the book's earlier promise, but it's still one heck of a ride!

What will Stuart Turton come up with next? I can't wait to find out.

[hhornblower_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Stuart Turton is obviously a talented writer, in lesser hands this books would have been 'meh' at best, but he is able to make this a very fun, enjoyable read. That being said, this isn't nearly as good as his first book, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, which was much more engaging and much more opaque. I enjoyed the characters, but I was able to figure out where he was heading fairly quickly. The whole denouement quickly brought to mind the old scooby doo cartoons, "I would have succeeded if it weren't for you meddling kids", and that is not really want I want in a book. Still, it's a fun read and obviously setting itself up for a sequel, which I will pick up, so there you go...

[pierthinker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is set almost exclusively aboard a large cargo vessel sailing from Batavia (Dutch East Indies) to Amsterdam in 1634. The voyage is cursed and there is a growing belief among passengers and crew that at least one of their number is possessed by a demon intent on terrorising and killing them all. Is there really a demon aboard and, if so, who has it possessed? Or, is someone using the fear generated to advance their own agenda of violence?

Trying to resolve this mystery are Arent, a sort of John Watson to Samuel Phipps (a detective held prisoner on the ship being transported back to Amsterdam to face charges of spying) and Sara, wife to the Governor General of Batavia.

The mystery component to this book is excellent. Strange events appear to be inexplicable and suspicion falls on every character at some point or other. Tension is ratcheted up very nicely and we are never truly certain of whodunit until near the end. The post-denouement stinger is an excellent touch.

As the author freely admits, the story takes precedence over the history, so the milieu details are generally sketchy and, most noticeably, the language is plainly modern in tone and vocabulary. This did not, for me, detract from the story at all.

I found the ending slightly disturbing. Ends seem to justify means, especially if done with righteous intent. Should people who have done unspeakable things be allowed their own happy-ever-after?

Very highly recommended.

[kinwolf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a great read to start 2021! Very entertaining, never a dull moment, good pacing, great characters and intriguing plot. Highly recommended.

[japaul22 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've read both of [[Stuart Turton]]'s mystery novels now, and I've detected a pattern. :-) Turton writes highly entertaining but over-complicated plots. His first book, [7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle], was a clever mystery with a sort of time warp where the main character keeps waking up in different bodies on the same day trying to solve a mystery to get out of the cycle. [The Devil and the Dark Water] is set on a 1600s merchant ship and involves the Devil, hidden cargo, and greed.

What I liked about this book was the pace, the setting, the captivating characters. What I didn't like was the overly complicated solution to the mystery and that the characters seemed too modern for their 1600s setting. I softened on this last point when I read Turton's afterward where he explained that he purposely did not write this as a historical mystery. He used the setting and idea to create his mystery and characters and then easily threw out any historical details that didn't serve his conception. It made me feel better that this was purposeful.

I like Turton's writing and his plotting is very creative. It's just good to know going in that he really enjoys these overly complicated plots that require some suspension of belief to enjoy. I suspect I'll read whatever he writes next - his writing is just so entertaining.

Original publication date: 2020
Author’s nationality: British
Original language: English
Length: 480 pages
Rating: 3.5 stars
Format/where I acquired the book: library kindle
Why I read this: like the author, wanted something fun

[grandpahobo_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The writing is good and the plot is interesting and moves along at a good pace. My only quibble is that there are so many diversions from the main thread that its easy to get lost as to what is happening and where you are in the timeline.

[breic-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A very readable story, but also frustrating. I don't know that the mystery's reveal quite works.

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The year is 1634 and a convoy of ships is sailing from Batavia to Amsterdam. The ships' hulls are filled with spices and other bounty but one of the ships is also carrying the Governor General, who has high hopes that with this cargo, he will get a promotion and live the rest of his life in comfort and wealth in Amsterdam. But as soon as the ship sets sail, strange evil things begin to occur and passengers start to die. The perfect Locked Room Mystery! Is it the dwarf? The guard with only one eye? Or maybe the mysterious passenger nobody every sees. This was entertaining and filled with plot twists. I had many guesses for this whodunit, but I never came close. The mystery is good but the descriptions of the setting, the ship, and life aboard a merchant vessel was what I really enjoyed about this story. Definitely an enjoyable historic fiction mystery.

[carol420 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A leaper tried to warn them just before he became a 'crispy critter"... but no one except the prisoner listened or believed the warning. When utter chaos breaks out and human decency is long forgotten… the message is remembered, but it is far too late. It is an utterly horrific story but inside of it are all these other stories that contribute to making the novel not only worthwhile reading but gives it a feeling of intrigue, mystery and supernaturally chilling. The characters can only be described as charming. The plot outstanding…the story picks up toward the end…and readers should be warned there are some real moments of real horror that will appeal to lovers of this genre.

[jmchshannon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After having thoroughly enjoyed The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I looked forward to starting Stuart Turton’s latest mystery foray, The Devil and the Dark Water. Except, his latest novel is nothing like his previous work. Gone are the science fiction/supernatural elements that made that work so compelling. Instead, we have something akin to Sherlock Holmes on the sea, and I cannot say I am a fan.

The Devil and the Dark Water has a slow start. A very slow start. In fact, you wonder what the point of the story is well past the twenty-five percent mark. It does not make a must-read situation.

Then, once the mystery becomes apparent, it does not take long to predict the mystery’s answer. In fact, you don’t even have to think about the ending because you know you are right because it is such a popular red herring/mystery solution. You hope that Mr. Turton would not be that obvious, but you are wrong. To say that this does not engender disappointment would be a lie. What good is a mystery when at least part of the answer is so obvious that you know it without having to think?

Speaking of the ending, it is highly unsatisfactory, although I suspect that is most definitely not Mr. Turton’s intention. I believe he means the ending to be better than a typical revenge story. Except, I don’t see it that way. Instead, I see it as a bit of a way for the main characters to have their cake and eat it too. Mr. Turton found an ending that allows the main characters to all have happy endings in spite of issues like historical legality and accuracy. While others may enjoy it, I found it rang a bit false if only because he spends so much time immersing the reader in the minutiae of colonial Dutch life, with an attention to detail that can be mind-numbing at times, and his ending flouts that.

The characters in The Devil and the Dark Water also are wanting. While perfectly adequate and capable of progressing the story, they are essentially archetypes. Archetypes serve a purpose, but in this story, it feels out of place to use them. Again, Mr. Turton does not shy away from detailing all aspects of life aboard the merchant ship, so using one-dimensional characters with no growth or further development feels wrong.

Lastly, something occurs to the ship that Mr. Turton never addresses and which should not bother me but does. Without giving too much away, the bad guys need to have the ship near a certain island in order for their plan to work. Except, the ship flees a massive hurricane for two weeks, only to have to brave its waves and wind when it moves faster than they can. Mr. Turton specifically mentions that the ship travels in any direction necessary to remain ahead of the storm. Later, once in the midst of a hurricane, they don’t even bother with direction and just fight to keep their ship afloat. And yet, somehow the ship ends up exactly where it needs to be. I don’t know how that is possible, and Mr. Turton does not give a satisfactory explanation. When every other part of the story has a rather mundane answer, this is one mystery that he never solves and which irks me for its unbelievability.

So, The Devil and the Dark Water is definitely a disappointment, and not only because I was holding it up against his fabulous previous novel. The two are so different that you probably shouldn’t compare them, except for the fact that Hardcastle was pretty damn good and The Devil and the Dark Water is not. The mystery is lackluster and predictable while the characters are archetypal and boring. His storytelling this time around is missing that WTFery as well as the shocking plot twists which made his previous story so good. I’d say skip it, but the buzz on this is much louder than my voice ever will be. So, I will say I hope you enjoy it more than I did!

[mm_jones · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author Stuart Turton believes "a book is whatever you decide it is. The sites, the smells, the characters... you're right!"
The setting is a ship transporting spices to Europe in 1634. But this is Fiction that uses the setting to tell the story and doesn't claim to portray historical accuracy. Quite the interesting read, unpredictable and thought provoking.