Good read. Well written. It’s well paced as well, with no drags.
I want to keep reading the next series

Murder Under the Pier by Max Manning is a British crime thriller that is full of twists. This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone novel.

When Adam Golding, a wealthy entrepreneur, is found dead hanging underneath Southend Pier, DI Edison Kane and DC Bailey Granger are called in to investigate. When DI Kane finds out that Adam was already dead before he was hung, he realizes that this is a homicide. Following a string of similar murders Kane and Granger must race to figure out who the killer is before there are more victims.

This was definitely a good British police procedural with a good, well written plot and complex characters. Even though this is the second book of the series, enough details and backstory were added to make this a great standalone. Recommended to anyone who loves a good British crime novel with twists that will surprise you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Max Manning, and Joffe Books for this ARC. Expected release day is March 27th 2025.

First book I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. Very good characters both likeable and the reverse. Well written story.. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading. Look forward to the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Adam Golding, the Midas touch of the town luck's run out when his body hangs beneath the rotten boards of Southend Pier. Detective Kane, still grieving the loss of his wife, must investigate this murder case alongside Granger. When they are sure about who the murderer is, it turns out the suspect became the victim himself and everything comes to zero.
The story's plot starts at a slower pace than in the first book and then fast in the middle to the end of the story. The murder cases themselves are very brutal and unexpected, especially how the victims are found. In this story, everyone could become the suspect’s next victim and is also fighting against time. The suspect becomes more confident of their killing.
To be honest for me, even though I do not expect what the murder motive is and how it makes sense, I already know who the killer is in the middle of the story. Maybe because I’m familiar with watching detective, police, mafia TV shows and movies, I could see the suspicious actions of some characters and then know who the killer is.
The story itself really needs a lot of suspense, which I missed from the first book that I liked more. But I know the author will save the surprise for the next book. So, bring it on!!!

Max Manning’s Murder Under the Pier is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller set against the gritty backdrop of Southend-on-Sea. With its twisting plot, layered characters, and vividly described coastal setting, the novel is a compelling read for fans of dark, character-driven mysteries.

The story opens with the shocking discovery of Adam Golding’s body, hanging lifeless beneath the crumbling boards of Southend Pier. Golding, a wealthy but morally corrupt businessman, has left behind a trail of destruction — particularly for his wife, whom he betrayed repeatedly, and his embittered brother Tony, who has spent his life in Adam’s shadow. With no shortage of motives, the investigation falls to Detective Inspector Edison Kane, a man haunted by his own tragic past.

Kane is a brilliantly crafted protagonist. His relentless drive to solve the case is fueled by personal guilt and the weight of unresolved trauma. Manning deftly explores the emotional toll of loss, making Kane’s internal struggles feel raw and authentic. Alongside him is Detective Constable Bailey Granger, a fierce and determined investigator balancing her demanding career with single motherhood. Granger’s dynamic with Kane adds depth to the narrative, as she challenges his authority while proving her own instincts are razor-sharp.

The novel’s plot is layered with twists and red herrings that will keep readers guessing. Just when the pieces seem to fall into place, a second body is discovered on the isolated Two Tree Island, upending the investigation and plunging Kane and Granger into even murkier waters. Manning masterfully maintains the suspense, unraveling secrets that expose the darkest corners of family loyalty, betrayal, and revenge.

What sets Murder Under the Pier apart is its richly atmospheric setting. Southend-on-Sea’s faded seaside charm, complete with desolate beaches, eerie marshlands, and the imposing pier, creates a haunting sense of place. The landscape mirrors the emotional turmoil of the characters, adding another layer of unease to the story.

Max Manning has crafted a thriller that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. Readers who enjoy psychologically complex mysteries will be drawn to the flawed yet determined Edison Kane and the tenacious Bailey Granger. Fans of Ann Cleeves, Simon McCleave, and Elly Griffiths will undoubtedly find themselves hooked from the first chilling chapter to the final heart-stopping revelation.

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.

One of the strongest elements of this book is the partnership between Kane and Granger. Their bond is the heart of the story—built on trust, mutual respect, and an unspoken understanding that they have each other’s backs no matter what. Manning writes their dynamic with such authenticity that they feel like real detectives, not just characters on a page. Their personal struggles are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth to their partnership and making their working relationship even more compelling.

Kane and Granger balance each other perfectly—each bringing strengths that complement the other, making them an even stronger team. When Granger takes time away to deal with a family matter, it becomes clear just how much Kane values her—not just as a detective, but as a person. He feels her absence in the investigation, yet his concern for her well-being shows the true bond growing between them. Their partnership is more than just professional—it’s built on trust, understanding, and a connection that makes them a force to be reckoned with.

The narrative is gripping from start to finish, with expertly timed reveals and a pace that never falters. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the investigation, making it impossible to stop reading because I needed answers. Manning’s ability to craft a story that is both thrilling and deeply immersive is truly impressive.

This was my first time reading Max Manning, and it will certainly not be the last. I’ve already lined up the first book in the Kane and Granger series to see how this brilliant detective duo first came together, and I’ve also purchased the rest of his books. If Murder Under the Pier is anything to go by, I know I’m in for some fantastic reads.

An outstanding book—dark, gripping, and impossible to put down.

Edison Kane is a really appealing character and I enjoyed finding out more about his back story. The plot is a strong police procedural type story and, while I worked out “whodunnit” fairly easily, I thoroughly enjoyed being taken through the investigative process.

Murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Complicated characters both good and bad. A good read.

Thank you to Max Manning, Netgalley, & joffebooks for this arc. I enjoyed this book. I figured there was kind of familial connection, but didn't know what until reading farther. I liked this book!

Although this is the second book in this series, this book can be read by itself since this story gives enough context on characters and their backgrounds.

At first, I hadn’t suspected who the killer was until Sam went missing and then my suspicion about who the murderer was increased after the hangman said something about their own past. I had initially thought it was anyone else but this person. The connection of the victims made a lot more sense after the motives for the hangman were revealed.

Certain things were unrealistic which I didn’t like but overall I enjoyed reading this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First I would like to bring attention to the Glossary at the end of the book. As a Canadian sometimes I wonder what a word is because we simply don't use that term here. Like A&E, it's not a cable station it's the same thing as our hostpital emerge. I love the little run down. The book was a nicely written who done it, with some back stories.

I enjoyed the relationship between Kane and Granger and the book was generally well written. I wanted to know more about their backstory, especially Grangers family.

I did guess the plot from very early on so for me there wasn't much suspense. There were also some parts that didn't feel authentic or realistic, especially in terms of procedure and dialogue. The pace felt a bit patchy in terms of momentum in places but on the plus side it didn't feel like there was loads of extra padding so the pace didn't drop off too much.

It was a quick and easy read, and I would read another kane and Granger novel, but as a fairly generic storyline it's not a book that is going to stay with me.

I reached the end of my reading pile and whilst waiting for new novels to come through, I picked up this and to be honest, did not expect too much.
Written very clearly and with the plot moving along, this almost come across as an uncomplicated story and I loved the book for this.
Interesting characters, a mystery that twisted and turned, in no time at all, I was thoroughly wrapped up in the narrative.
I did guess the killer quite early on, but this did not shroud my enjoyment at all.
I notice this is book one of a series. I hope all of the characters return as I loved the different journalistic and psychology angles, along with the detective work.
I have added this author to my ‘Must read’ list. Loved it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

4* An intriguing murder mystery with a great book cover

Why murder your victim, then move the body to a prominent location where it'll immediately be found. This is the puzzle for the investigating officer, DI Edison Kane, when the autopsy report revealed that the victim was dead before being hung under Southend Pier. As DI Kane and DC Bailey Granger head the murder squad, another body is found in similar circumstances.

A little slow to begin but the plot soon speeded up as the investigation advanced. I admit that I did guess the identity of the murderer, this didn't spoil my enjoyment of following the police procedural of identifying and catching the murderer.

Very well written, part of a series, more to come.

With thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

One murdered millionaire. Two suspects, with every reason to want him dead. A haunted detective, who can’t outrun his past . . . A body hangs beneath the rotten boards of Southend Pier. Strung from a rusted beam and twisting in the chill February air. In life, wealthy entrepreneur Adam Golding had the Midas touch coining a fortune from his chain of tawdry seaside arcades but now his luck’s run out! Great book! This book had great suspense, gruesome murders, mystery, intrigue, a great who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This is the second book in the Kane and Granger series, but my first by Max Manning. It can absolutely be read as a standalone, and I found it an engaging police procedural with plenty of twists and turns.

The dynamic between DI Edison Kane and DC Bailey Granger was a highlight—Kane is haunted by his past, while Granger is a sharp, determined detective balancing her career and single motherhood. Their contrasting approaches add real depth to the investigation.

The murder of wealthy entrepreneur Adam Golding sets off a dark and twisty case involving betrayal, family feuds, and long-held resentments. While I guessed the killer and motive quite early, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment—I liked seeing how everything unfolded. Manning’s writing reminded me of Tim Sullivan’s George Cross series, with strong character development and a solid sense of place.

A good pick if you enjoy police procedurals with compelling leads, layered investigations, and an easy-to-follow yet gripping plot. I’d definitely read more in the series!

📌 Murder under the Pier will be released on 25 March 2025.
📌 Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This is a good British police procedural.
A body is found hanging under a pier by a jogging policeman and soon thereafter 2 more bodies are found. All were hanged, but already dead by leathel injections.
The characters are well drawn and the story is fast moving and tense with a good ending.

A body is found hanging under the pier. The victim is later identified as a wealthy local who was already dead when he was hung. When Detective Kane learns that the victim was killed with a lethal injection of insulin, the search intensifies. Then there are 2 more similar murders, and when a local reporter tries to follow up on a tip, she finds herself in an untenable situation. I did figure out who the villain was early on, but this was still a good British police procedural. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

OMG.!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!. Brilliant…. Avidly yelling at my kindle!!!... Incredibly addictive... I was literally on the edge of my seat... Left me totally and utterly speechless!!

I cannot count the number of times I gasped... Twists after twists and I didn't predict any... An absolute must read it was jaw-dropping!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!