Like many readers, I first learned of this book through Reese’s Bookclub, Hello Sunshine, and was hooked by the blurb. Thanks to Overdrive, I was able to listen to this audiobook narrated by the author herself. Catherine Steadman has a lovely reading voice, making it easy to get lost in the story.

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BLURB:

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.

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The first chapter of this book was exceptionally gripping. I love being able to see the research the author put into their novel, even in the most minute details. It shows effort and attention to the story the author wanted to tell. I mean, who would think of the weight of earth a person moves while digging a grave? …Catherine Steadman, that’s who. However, on the flip side of this attention to detail, sometimes the author went a bit over the top with the mundane features mentioned in this story. There were lengthy descriptions of food choices and prices, sharks, Glocks, and more that could have easily been thinned out since they didn’t add much of anything to the storyline. These parts made me thankful I was listening to the audiobook because I’m not sure I would have the patience to continue if I was reading the text.

This book gives the illusion of being a suspense novel without really being suspenseful until the very end of the book. The strongest aspect of this book was the intro, which unfortunately gives too much away, thereby killing any suspense the story could have hoped to achieve. When I saw how the beginning and end of the story came together, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, “that was all?” It felt like the plot was leading up to a really interesting climax, only to be given an overused “thriller trope”. I would have also liked to see more of what came following Erin’s documentary since much of the story focused on her career.

Despite my criticism, I did enjoy listening to this story for the most part. Eddie’s character, being the criminal fatherly figure he was, drew me in and immediately endeared me to him. I was a big fan of his presence in the story, even going so far as to say he made the book for me. I especially loved Erin’s interview with Eddie’s daughter. There were some really great lines in that small section of the book and I even replayed them again to get the full effect of her words.

Overall, I think it’s fair to say the audiobook was probably the best means of consumption for this book. I’m not sure I would have even given it 3 stars if it weren’t for Catherine Steadman’s narration. The story showed great promise but the ending was a bit of a dud.

Rating: 3 stars

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Purchase on Amazon.
[Audiobook]

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