#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut—for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.“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 … read!”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club pick)
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY GLAMOUR AND NEWSWEEK • FINALIST FOR THE ITW THRILLER AWARD
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.
Praise for Something in the Water
“Superbly written, clever and gripping.”—B. A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors
“Deliciously dramatic.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Thrilling . . . the perfect beach read.”—PopSugar
“A dark glittering gem of a thriller.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Arresting . . . deftly paced, elegantly chilly . . . [Catherine] Steadman brings . . . wit, timing and intelligence to this novel. . . . Something in the Water is a proper page-turner.”—The New York Times
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It was ok. Pretty predictable, but had spurts of page-turner times.
Did not see the finish coming and like that it crept up on me that way. Some white-knuckle moments in this well crafted tale.
When a couple goes on their honeymoon in BoraBora, they find something in the water that changes their trajectory as a married couple and tests their personal ethics. I thought I had the mystery figured out several times, but the twists and turns in the story continued until the end. I was a little disappointed that, in the end, not all of the issues were resolved or questions answers. There is great opportunity for a sequel. I could not put this book down.
Erin and Mark Roberts are enjoying their honeymoon in Bora Bora when they come upon a curious discovery during a private boat excursion. They take an item out of the water that later sends them down a path of no return that threatens to change their lives forever.
Erin is a film documentarian and Mark an investment advisor who recently lost his job. That’s in the background while they make the decision to continue with their wedding plans and ultimately the lavish honeymoon. Erin is also in the middle of filming the stories of three prison inmates who are scheduled to be released. While I wasn’t certain how all of this would factor into the story, it was all sort of interesting as background.
Erin is the narrator and I wasn’t always certain of her reliability, not because she was untruthful but because I didn’t trust her judgment. She makes some out-of-bounds decisions throughout the story, definitely in the category of TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) actions. However, she’s bright and quick on her feet so I couldn’t abandon her entirely. The ending was provocative in that there were some ends not completely tied up but foreboding for the future.
I liked this story, didn’t love it because there were multiple dangling plot lines at the end and the characterizations didn’t adequately set up the resolution. But…and it’s a big but…I couldn’t stop listening to this story and was always anxious to resume. And, the author as narrator was an excellent decision because her performance was stellar. That’s not always a good decision but this time it was brilliant. Despite my issues, I still recommend this book as I was completely engaged in the story. 3.5 stars
Thiscbook was a real page turner. Started our so romantic, but just wait while the thrilling action begins and uou won’t be able to put it down.
I heard it on audible and it had me glued to my ear buds the whole time . I did not want it to end . I can hardly wait for Catherine Steadman to write another book.
A superb psychological thriller that will have you wondering did I really just read that happened. Erin and Mark are deeply in love with each other and can hardly wait for their fast-approaching wedding day. They appear to be the closest and happiest of couples, both loving and trusting each other more than anyone on earth. Then, they go on their honeymoon and slowly all bets are off. When scuba diving in Bora Bora the couple find something, which will change them or maybe just bring out their true selves. Twists and turns will keep you wondering just who you would trust. Think about it, would you trust with your whole heart your spouse?
If you want a scary, creepy book, this is the one to read. Totally surprised at the ending. Interesting characters that are deceiving & manipulative.
Great beach read! Describes the Bora Bora resort and is very easy to follow. A 30 something English documentarian, who gets married, but has to bury her husband (described in the 1st chapter, so no spoilers here). It was interesting to read and discover why it actually occurs as the authors goes back in time, despite a relationship filled with love.
I was excited to start this book. The opening chapter really drew in the reader, as the story continued it became very predictable the outcome was not surprising. I listened to this book on audible and the narration is done by the writer, I thought this was a nice touch and the narration was very well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twisted tale that is Something in the Water. The book is very addictive, with many surprises, morally gray characters making very questionable choices, and the story that asks questions such as how well do you really know people closest to you and can you trust anyone but yourself? I would highly recommend Something in the Water to any suspense/thriller lovers.
Very suspenseful. Wanted to keep reading to find out what happens.
Something in the Water is Catherine Steadman’s debut novel. It’s a psychological thriller that incorporates elements related to marital relationships, documentary filmmaking, and crime. With a slow start, the main events start happening around the 30% mark, and I was captivated. I loved the incorporation of ocean diving, the underwater ambiance, and the random opportunity that starts to shape this thriller. Initially, the happenings did not seem to me to be far-fetched and this prompted self-reflection on the choices I might have made if given the same options. The curiosity, greed, and suspense remain steady, and I appreciated how domestic Steadman managed to keep the thriller element despite all the outside factors at play. However, I found myself feeling hugely disappointed when every original factor I loved about this book slowly drifted into one of many psychological thrillers I’ve read before.
With an ocean of potential, Something in the Water didn’t quite transport me as far as it could have. However, the consistent theme that no choice is without consequence is one that holds value for every reader. Despite my personal reading experience, Something in the Water remains an impressive debut and other readers will without a doubt love it. I look forward to reading more from this multi-talented author.
Wow…I was blown away and enjoyed every minute of this gripping debut thriller by Catherine. Steadman!
The book starts out with Erin digging a grave for a dead body. Then goes back in time to explain how she ended up there. Erin and Mark are a picture-perfect couple…planning their upcoming wedding, talking about starting a family, etc. Erin tells us the story, beginning with how she met Mark though the unexpected event that turned their life upside down.
There were no overdone love scenes or wasted words on trivial details. Steadman is a great storyteller and has a wonderful way of keeping you captivated. The story was easy to follow and definitely surpassed my expectations. The best book I’ve read in quite some time…couldn’t put it down!
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
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