Book Review: Something In The Water

Author: Catherine Steadman

Publication Date: June 5, 2018

Publisher: Ballantine Books

“A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one. What unfolds makes for a wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read!”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick)

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.

Steadman’s writing in her new psychological suspense packs quite the punch! Can you say fast-paced? Steadman drops readers right into a sticky situation, to say the least, and she reveals one twist after another as the chapters unfold. The best thing about the story, and Steadman’s writing, is that she really makes you think with this story. This story makes you realize just how badly one bad decision can take you further than you thought you would ever go and change your life forever. Mystery is a perfect genre to dig deeper into ideas just like this one. The characters were written to be fully fleshed out; readers will know and learn their innermost secrets and will question their reliability the entire time. 

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave? Wonder no longer. It takes an age. However long you think it takes, double that. 

I feel the trapdoors in my mind creaking under the strain of what lies underneath.

We can go back to our normal lives. Well, normal-ish.

Hands down, fans of Paula Hawkins, Ruth Ware, and even Gillian Flynn will relish in this new thriller out just in time to be everyone’s beach read. As if I haven’t already endorsed it enough, this novel was Reese Witherspoon’s pick for her book club this month! I loved this book; it will most likely be one of my favorites of the year. The climax and the ending came out of NOWHERE – I DID NOT SEE IT COMING! I live for books like this one!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review***