JSD May Book Review: Something in the Water

April Book: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

If you read and liked The Girl on the Train, The Woman in Cabin 10, Gone Girl or are a fan of psychological thrillers, you’ll enjoy this book!

Jet Set Darlings Book Review:

I’m reading this book as part of a book club with my girlfriends and it was super easy to get through. Interestingly enough, people had a better overall impression of this book before coming together as a group to discuss it, myself included. One of the things I really enjoyed in Something in the Water was Steadman’s style of suspense writing. She has the ability to make even the most mundane acts bone chilling through words alone.

My biggest criticism though, is the ending. I won’t spoil it here but I didn’t feel like it logistically made sense. The motive seems thin and the “clues” leading up to it throughout the book did not jive with other actions and intent from the character(s) especially since the chain of events that landed them in this predicament was not premeditated. It’s also still unclear what the major payoff is in the end.

I think that if this book had been told from a few different perspectives, that would have added a nice layer of complexity, understanding and thought to the mystery and plot. Overall, I think the writing is solid and the storyline/characters pull you in quickly. It’s worth a read and would be a great vacation or book club pick.

Book Synopsis (from Amazon):

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.