Something in the Water(A novel) by Catherine Steadman

Pub. Date: June 5th, 2018

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Format: ARC (EBook, 352 pages)

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares? Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave? Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman’s enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we’re tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

Review:

Let me just start by praising Catherine Steadman on writing an amazing novel! This is one of those books where I couldn’t put the book down. I COULD NOT STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT! Every free minute I had I was whipping out my kindle to see what crazy decision was being made next. 

From start to finish, Steadman had all my attention and all the reactions. Can you believe I was out here screaming at the characters? I was honest to God, rolling my eyes and saying “Really? Why just, why?”. I felt so attached to this novel, a little too attached I’ll admit, but I was really in my feelings. Especially, when that twist hit me. My friends. I. Was. Not. Ready. My entire reaction was like:

I loved this book from start to finish and if I was a person who liked to read fiction books again, I would give this one another go!

Characters:

I had a love/hate relationship with Erin and Mark. They were both so smart and so dumb in ways that made me so frustrated. At first, I did side with Mark on things, because our girl Erin was on some other level with some of her decisions. BUUUUT, Mark was too. 

All in all, I found the character development to be excellent. Nothing was out of the blue and felt floppy or disorganized. The characters felt real and relatable, and put me in a position where I had to ask myself “What would I do if I was in their shoes?”. 

Recommendations:

This is an adult fiction book so I would recommend this to a mature audience, obviously, but an audience that loves a good heart racer. A reader that enjoys the suspense of characters constantly looking over their shoulders, the paranoia, and an amazing plot. If you are searching for those aspects, search no further!

**A special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this awesome novel. Without NetGalley I wouldn’t be in the know about such stellar titles!**

Thank you for reading and let’s discuss this great read!