Rating: 3.5 stars

I can't remember the last time I read a mystery novel, but I'm glad I picked up this one because it's so much more than a tale of "whodunnit" and has so many layers that will appeal to readers of any genre.

The story sets course on the Sardaam ship, leaving for Amsterdam, with an important cargo aboard and a curse set upon it. On board, we have the famous detective Samuel Pipps who's known to solve even the trickiest mysteries, just in the style of Sherlock Holmes. However, he is a prisoner, and can't do much from the cell he's imprisoned in, and the solving job has to be taken over by his bodyguard Arent Hayes, who himself says he lacks the talent of Pipps. What begins is a wild ride across the sea with demonic symbols, voices that promise you your deepest desire, death looming over everyone aboard the ship, and the question "Is the devil with us?".

The Devil and the Dark Water is a great mystery that has it all - murder, death, suspects and the paranormal aspects of a devil whispering and promising doom. I didn't know what I was supposed to expect as I started reading the book, finding myself over-confidently trying to solve the mysteries and forseeing the plottwist, but ending up not having a clue at all and being suprised by the big reveal. Despite having all the suspect on one ship, it was impossible to find the answer to all the questions, and I truly enjoyed in which direction this story was leading.

However, the heart of the story wasn't the mystery or the devil after all, but the vast cast of characters you meet. Constantly, I found myself in a position where I wondered if I'm allowed to like certain characters, questioning my own view of them, and wondering who could be behind the misery upon the Sardaam. And then I found myself, enjoying the bonds that were made, the relationships that evolved, and hoping they would find themselves safe at the end of the book.

As much as this was a mystery story set on a ship, it was also a story about friendship, honor, and the question of good vs. evil. Turton managed to pack in themes of inequality within class and between genders in this book. His descriptive style of writing made it easy to understand what life aboard a ship looks like, and the eerie and sinister atmosphere added to its very own tone to the picture he painted.

As you won't find myself reading a mystery story often, I'm glad it was this book I picked up as it offered so much more than just crime and clues to solve it. I always love a good cast of characters, and loved seeing these characters bring in their part in the story revolving around "Old Tom". The only issue I find myself having was the pace. While I appreciated the time Turton took to develop this story and the characters' roles within it, I sometimes had a hard time staying focused as the pace was slow. A bit too slow. This is definitely a book you should read when you have the time to stay committed to it, as you might risk losing interest during some periods within the story. However, the last third and especially the ending make it worth it as I surely haven't seen the twist coming.

No matter if you're into mystery stories or not, this book is definitely going to take you to an adventure you won't expect, and if you love well-written characters, a duo reminiscing of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, some strong female leads, and a mystery that might involve the devil, this is a book you should put on your nightstand. But make sure to not struck any deals with Old Tom. You might not be able to pay the cost.