Book Review: Tainted Water (Owen Stone Book 2) by David E. Owen

Tainted Water
(Owen Stone Book 2)
By David E. Owen

Publication Date: 7th April 2025
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 397
Genre: Political Thriller

They poisoned the water. Now, they want to drown the truth.

When MI5 officer Owen Stone is on holiday in The Dominican Republic he uncovers a water company conspiracy that has a parallel effect back in the UK. The water company's influence reaches from the corridors of Westminster to the pipelines beneath Britain’s streets.

A foreign-owned water company is hiding more than just corruption. Their pollution is killing people—and their influence runs deeper than anyone imagined. With environmental regulators silenced, government departments compromised, and a shadowy CEO manipulating public opinion, Stone must risk everything to expose the truth.

But when his allies are targeted and his every move is watched, the mission becomes personal. As the pressure mounts, Stone faces a terrifying question: what if the real enemy isn’t just corporate greed, but a new form of power that sees democracy as an inconvenience?

Gripping, timely, and disturbingly plausible, Tainted Water is a high-stakes political thriller for fans of John le Carré, Mick Herron, and Robert Harris.

In a nation paralysed by scandal and division, one man stands between justice and the flood.

Owen Stone’s holiday is supposed to be a part of his recovery. Although disguised as holiday leave, he is well aware that his time in the Dominican Republic is mandatory, providing him with the opportunity to recover from his shoulder injury before embarking on his next mission.

However, there is no rest for the wicked, and Owen finds himself drawn into a dark conspiracy surrounding a water company. A vicious gang protects their secrets, but they might not hold all the power they think they do. Owen joins forces with a local reporter, attempting to expose the truth behind the company’s unlawful activities, but things start to unravel at home. The UK is starting to see the same pollution as the Dominican Republic, and hidden at the centre of all the conspiracies, HydraFlow stands, seemingly untouchable beneath layers of security with a dark shroud of secrecy surrounding their operations.

“Tainted Water (Owen Stone Book 2)” by David E. Owen presents a troubling and realistic scenario that poses a threat on an international scale. The safety of the nation and other countries relies on one man with nerves of steel and a determined attitude. The critical question remains: Can he uncover the truth before the damage becomes irreversible?

Owen Stone is a strong protagonist, unafraid to put himself in the firing line if it will forward his investigations. His instincts are sharp, his work ethic unwavering, and his ego high. When he sees injustice, he is more than happy to step in. He is calculated, but acts quickly, planning his way into and out of situations even as they unfold around him. He is a character to be admired, for his very nature is to be committed to the task at hand and to protect those around him. He is cocky, but his confidence and ego are almost endearing, creating a very human character the reader can form a connection with. 

Owen’s reach is, unfortunately, not unlimited. He often encounters roadblocks, with his path forward obstructed by government influence and the calculated loopholes that HydraFlow uses to evade the law. The operations he undertakes are high-stakes, leaving little room for error. Risking his life to uncover the truth, Owen fearlessly strides into locked buildings, emerging with small pieces of the truth from each endeavour until he gathers enough information to start piecing the puzzle together. There are moments in this novel that truly keep the reader on the edge of their seat, as Owen’s missions are not simple, nor are they safe. The intricacies of carefully planned operations, executed on a tight timeline, create an intense atmosphere filled with pivotal revelations and crucial public relations challenges. Readers can expect plenty of action, making this novel fast-paced and full of excitement.

Public relations plays a crucial role in this novel. The public’s perception is key to determining whether people believe HydraFlow is responsible for significant environmental and health issues or if they dismiss news reports as fake news—claims intended to slander rather than inform. The story delves deeply into the complexities of predicting how the public will react to specific information, as this factor is essential to the narrative. Without the support of the general public, MI5 has little hope of convincing the world that HydraFlow is committing serious crimes against humanity. News reports are meticulously managed and strategically released to capture and maintain public interest. Controlling the narrative is vital; however, there are those who will attempt to seize control of the media narrative before it’s too late. This novel carefully examines the influence that the masses exert over large governmental organisations and how crucial public support can significantly impact the ambitions of a few.

HydraFlow is a major international water company operating worldwide. The scrutiny surrounding its operations has revealed astonishing levels of hostility. When the objectives of the powerful are threatened, the resulting backlash is intense, making the company and its leaders appear villainous. There is a noticeable lack of empathy and a cold, calculating nature among those involved, which encourages readers to despise them. In stark contrast to Owen’s easygoing and caring personality, the individuals associated with HydraFlow come across as callous; they care little about who or what they harm, as long as they achieve their desired results. Despite being a large international company, HydraFlow has its safeguards in place. Owen faces a formidable challenge when confronting the criminal activities of those hiding behind the company’s restricted files.

In this novel, several characters operate outside of highly classified roles, taking a stand against pressing issues in the community. Dr. Elena Vargas and Paulo Gardner are particularly noteworthy, as they are determined to tackle the problems caused by HydraFlow. However, both characters require assistance from Owen to get started. Dr. Vargas, a physician in the Dominican Republic, witnesses the devastating effects of contaminated water on the health of local residents. Her life becomes closely intertwined with Owen’s, especially as MI5 steps in to protect her and the crucial testimony she can provide. Meanwhile, Paulo is a reporter investigating the pollution of the water sources. Despite warnings from those around him that his life could be in danger if he continues his investigation, he remains committed to uncovering the truth. Both Dr. Vargas and Paulo play pivotal roles in the story, crafted with such depth that they feel like real people. Their lives emerge vividly from the pages, captivating the reader as they share their experiences.

This novel is almost split into two sections, which focus on very different aspects of Owen’s investigation. The first half, when he is still in the Dominican Republic, is incredibly tense, full of action, and the fear of what might be hiding around the corner. HydraFlow hides behind the intimidating force of Los Tiburones, a powerful gang that uses violence and harassment to terrorise anyone who might pose any level of threat to them. With harsh beatings and the bodies of those asking questions turning up, people are quick to back down and submit themselves to their control, if it means staying safe. The intensity of Los Tiburones, and the dangers that Owen, and many others, face in the Dominican Republic, make the first half of this novel incredibly fast-paced and high-energy. When Owen returns to the UK, the narrative shifts to focus on the political landscape and the dealings of those in power. In this section, government actions, shady backroom deals, and threats of exposure introduce a complex political dimension to the story, highlighting the stark contrast between the two countries. While the Dominican Republic hides and fights its issues through violence, the UK conceals similar problems behind layers of paperwork and bank transfers. The way one company can exert such a wide-ranging influence on the world is portrayed with a remarkable sense of realism. The story feels almost true, and it is genuinely chilling to consider the extent of control such a formidable force can have over global affairs.

For readers who are looking for a thrilling account of corruption, destruction, and an undercover mission to unravel the secrets keeping everything under the radar, look no further than "Tainted Water (Owen Stone Book 2)" by David E Owen. This novel presents a range of characters that elicit both admiration and disdain, accompanied by a meticulously crafted plot that delves into political intrigue and public perception. This compelling work promises to captivate readers and provide an exhilarating experience.

Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

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David E. Owen

After decades spent teaching around the world—from the UK to the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East—I came to writing fiction later in life. I started with fantasy before finding my voice in fast-paced, real-world spy thrillers. My stories are grounded in current issues like corruption, gender bias, and power, but always emphasise pace, surprise, and character-driven tension.

I’ve visited over 80 countries, worked as a radio host in Abu Dhabi, directed Shakespeare for African audiences in the bush, and even survived a flash flood in Mali and an armed hold-up. I was arrested for drug-smuggling in Nigeria but was eventually released when I refused to pay off the police captain, and I was boat-wrecked alone on a desert island in the Arabian Sea (but no tree) and rescued through a police search. Now retired from teaching, I split my time between writing, photography, and trying to get fit (thanks to a stubborn rowing machine). My latest novel, Hate Machine, tackles misogyny and gender radicalisation — not typical thriller territory, but I like a challenge.