London, 2095. Sixty years after rising seas drowned the old world, a corrupt system of servitude keeps the new one afloat.

When a celebrity photographer is murdered, all evidence points to his indentured servant, Alexander Lytton. Top investigator Josiah Raine should be convinced of Alexander’s guilt, but his instincts tell him otherwise.

As they navigate a world of floating cities and sunken ruins, both men must confront their pasts to find a future neither thought possible. Four-book series.

“Dark Water is a masterful blend of rich world-building, a captivating mystery, and deeply compelling characterisation. Set in a vividly imagined near-future, Walter crafts a world that feels both familiar and hauntingly plausible. The intricate plot keeps readers guessing, while the characters—complex, flawed, and achingly real—drive the story’s emotional heart. With its gripping narrative and immersive setting, Dark Water is a must-read for fans of MM romance, dystopian fiction, and riveting mysteries alike.” Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Four-book series
• Book One: June 3^rd, 2025
• Book Two: July 1st, 2025
• Book Three: July 29th, 2025
• Book Four: September 9th, 2025
• Formats: Ebook | Paperback | Audiobook
• Media Pack Available for Reviewers, Influencers, and Bloggers

The World is Broken. So are They.

Josiah leads a double life. At work, he tracks down killers with ruthless efficiency. At home, he’s falling apart as he talks to his dead husband’s ghost.

His frozen existence is turned upside down when a celebrity is murdered, and all evidence points to the victim’s servant—the beautiful but enigmatic Alexander Lytton.

Everyone is convinced of Alex’s guilt except Josiah, who finds himself drawn to the sharp-witted young man. He knows Alex is hiding something, but is it murder or an even darker secret?

Haunted by memories of his husband’s last moments, Josiah is running on empty as he tries to solve the case. As he slowly unravels, he finds an unlikely source of comfort—in the arms of his prime suspect.

But in a drowned world where servants are property, falling for Alex could cost him everything. Can he trust instincts numbed by grief, or is he being seduced by a master manipulator?

Immerse yourself in Crocodile Tears, the enthralling first novel in the Dark Water series by MM romantic suspense author Xanthe Walter.

Extract

Suddenly, without warning, a man appeared out of nowhere and charged towards them. Josiah ducked, instinctively… but the man disappeared as soon as he’d come, leaving Josiah breathless, his heart pounding.

“What the hell…?” He looked around and saw Reed trying hard not to laugh.

“Lifelike, aren’t they?” Reed grinned. “Don’t worry – we all ducked for that one. Wait for it… here he comes again!”

The man appeared out of nowhere, but Josiah was ready for him this time. He caught a glimpse of a hauntingly beautiful face and blank grey eyes, then the man strode through him, the image dissipating around him as the pixels broke up in mid-air.

He thought he knew everything about his husband’s murder. He was wrong.

London, 2095. Sixty years after rising seas drowned the old world, a corrupt system of servitude keeps the new one afloat.

Josiah leads a double life. At work, he tracks down killers with ruthless efficiency. At home, he’s falling apart as he talks to his dead husband’s ghost.

His frozen existence is turned upside down when a celebrity is murdered, and all evidence points to the victim’s servant—the beautiful but enigmatic Alexander Lytton.

Everyone is convinced of Alex’s guilt except Josiah, who finds himself drawn to the sharp-witted young man. He knows Alex is hiding something, but is it murder or an even darker secret?

Haunted by memories of his husband’s last moments, Josiah is running on empty as he tries to solve the case. As he slowly unravels, he finds an unlikely source of comfort—in the arms of his prime suspect.

But in a drowned world where servants are property, falling for Alex could cost him everything. Can he trust instincts numbed by grief, or is he being seduced by a master manipulator?

Immerse yourself in Crocodile Tears, the enthralling first novel in the Dark Water series by MM romantic suspense author Xanthe Walter.

Reader Review

I rarely enjoy a second book in a series like the first one, but this blew me away just as much as the first one did. The history of the characters and the time jumps into the past make so much sense for the development of the characters and to understand where they’re coming from.”

It’s time to choose – justice or love?

 Alex Lytton has waited seven long years for justice—now, just as he stands on the precipice of achieving it, fate offers him an impossible choice: complete the mission that has consumed his life or flee with the man who has captured his heart.

With time running out, Alex must decide what matters most: justice or love?

Extract: When you can’t decide whether to flee or face the music…

“Alex, you need to make this decision tonight. We have to get going before dawn if we’re leaving. If we walk into Inquisitus tomorrow, I can’t promise I’ll be able to save you.”

“I know.” Alex sat down beside him with a thump. “You and me, together, on the run… you have no idea how much I want that.”

“But?” Josiah squeezed his hand. “I made a promise to Solange. If I leave…”

“Would Solange expect you to prioritise that promise over your own life?”

“No. Solange wouldn’t have asked me to do any of this. My mission is entirely self-imposed.” Alex gave a wry smile. “But it’s all that’s been keeping me going for years. I have no idea what I even am without it.”

“We can find out. Together.” Josiah leaned in to kiss him. “If you want me,” he added as he drew back, feeling suddenly insecure.