Death of a Mermaid – Coastal Mystery and Dark Secrets (Review & Audiobook)

1. About the Author – Lesley Thomson

Lesley Thomson is a renowned British crime author known for her ability to craft vividly atmospheric settings and deeply layered characters. She has left her mark with numerous novels, including The Detective’s Daughter and Ghost Girl. Lesley’s writing style often blends a brooding, suspenseful tone with a slow yet tense narrative pace, while paying great attention to character psychology.

What makes Lesley Thomson stand out to both readers and critics is her skill in transforming quiet seaside towns into haunting stages, where past and present intertwine to create chilling crime stories.

2. About the Narrator – Julia Franklin

Julia Franklin is a veteran audiobook narrator, celebrated for her ability to give each character a unique voice through nuanced delivery. She has narrated works by many of the UK’s most acclaimed authors, receiving praise for her skill in conveying emotion and atmosphere. In Death of a Mermaid, Julia Franklin delivers a warm yet sometimes gritty voice, perfectly fitting the story’s moody and suspenseful coastal backdrop.

3. About the Book – Death of a Mermaid

Death of a Mermaid is a psychological crime novel centered on Freddy (Frederica), who returns to her hometown of Newhaven after 22 years of estrangement from her family for coming out about her sexuality. Upon her return, she becomes entangled in a murder case linked to her childhood friends’ group, “The Mermaids” – a circle bound by secrets that refuse to stay buried.

The Sussex coastal setting comes alive in both beauty and menace, almost like another living character in the story. Major themes include forgiveness, personal identity, friendship, and the darkness that lurks beneath tranquil surfaces.

Genre: Psychological Crime Fiction.

While there are no publicly available figures for sales or awards, Death of a Mermaid has received strong critical praise, especially for its atmospheric setting and layered character work.

4. Review of Death of a Mermaid

Strengths – Many reviewers, including The Reading Room and Fictionophile, praised Lesley Thomson’s worldbuilding—readers can almost “smell the fish” and feel the damp air of narrow seaside alleys. The plot is solidly constructed, holding its mystery until the very end, and the characters are memorable and multi-dimensional.

Weaknesses – Some readers (such as those on Moonraker Reviews) felt the pacing was slow and that the transitions between past and present were sometimes unclear. Additionally, certain plot points involving a character’s sexuality left some readers dissatisfied.

Notable review quotes:

• “Its excellence is in the characters, all credible and memorable” – Chirp Books.

• “Gloriously well-written … Thomson creates a rich and sinister world” – Chirp Books.

  Personal take – This book is best suited for readers who enjoy layered psychological mysteries, wanting to immerse themselves in an atmosphere that is dark yet beautifully crafted.

5. Review of the Audiobook Death of a Mermaid

The audiobook version of Death of a Mermaid, narrated by Julia Franklin and available on Audible, delivers an emotive and skillfully paced performance. Franklin distinguishes characters clearly and deftly conveys tension throughout the narrative. Her warm, resonant voice suits the moody seaside atmosphere, and her pacing makes the shifts between past and present easy to follow.

Pros – Natural, nuanced delivery; fits the tone of the story perfectly.

Cons – For listeners who prefer a fast-paced audiobook, the inherently slower story tempo may feel drawn out.

Personal take – This audiobook is an excellent choice if you want to relax while fully absorbing the story’s atmosphere. Julia Franklin transforms the novel into a richly cinematic listening experience.

6. Who Should Read This Book

• Fans of psychological crime fiction, especially those who enjoy British coastal settings.

• Readers interested in stories exploring identity, forgiveness, and complex friendships.

• Audiobook listeners seeking an emotionally rich narrative with a warm, deliberate narration style.

7. Conclusion

Death of a Mermaid by Lesley Thomson offers a finely woven blend of atmosphere, layered characters, and compelling mystery. While not for readers seeking high-speed thrillers, it’s a rewarding experience—especially in audiobook form, thanks to Julia Franklin’s captivating narration. If you enjoy mysteries that go beyond the question of “whodunit” and dive deep into human relationships and hidden pasts, this one deserves a place on your reading list.

 

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and many other high-quality audiobooks anytime, anywhere.