SEA DARKNESS

  • 25.000 copies sold!
  • A vacation that turns into a nightmare: atmospherically dark and with enormous force.
  • A gripping locked-room psychological thriller, originally composed and brilliantly told.
  • English sample translation (MT) available.

Two families. One vacation home. A summer that ends in death.

It was supposed to be the perfect vacation. A real family trip, like old times: Henrike, Hans, and the twins. A week to unwind, enjoy the last days of summer. Perhaps a chance for a new beginning, far from everyday worries - in the impressive villa on the cliffs.

But when they arrive, they are not alone: there is a double booking. Since the whole island is full, both families move into the rental house. The mood is good; no one wants to spoil the vacation atmosphere. There’s enough space, after all.

The beautiful facade quietly crumbles. The house is showing its age, the pool is dry. And a storm is brewing. Then the families find a body in the villa. It is one of them.

While the storm rages outside, the truth breaks free inside. Not everyone is as much of a stranger as they pretend to be ...

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  • Publisher: Rowohlt Polaris
  • Release: 17.04.2026
  • ISBN: 978-3-499-01719-3
  • 416 Pages
  • Author: Till Raether

Awards

  • 2026: Till Raether mit «Meeresdunkel» auf der Krimibestenliste im Juli 2026

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Buchcover von SEA DARKNESS: Zwei Familien. Ein Ferienhaus. Ein Sommer, der tödlich endet.
Till RaetherSEA DARKNESS
Portrait von Till Raether
© Charlotte Schreiber
Till Raether

Till Raether grew up in Berlin, attended the German School of Journalism in Munich and studied American literature and history in Berlin and New Orleans. Today he works as a journalist in Hamburg, among others for Brigitte , Brigitte Woman and the SZ magazine.