Book Review: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Release Date: June 2018
Publisher: Ballantine
Pages: 352 pages
Source: NetGalley

Description from GoodReads: “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.

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.”

Entertainment Value: 4
Characters: 4
Voice: 4
Plot: 4
Overall: 4 stars

Something in the Water is a thriller that follows a freshly married couple who make a shocking discovery on their honeymoon.  What will they do with this discovery and how will it change their lives? 

I ended up really liking this book and blew through the last 2/3 of it.  My only problem with it was, after grabbing you in with the opening, this book sloooows waaaay down.  I was like, wait did I pick up the wrong book?  I completely understand the necessity of the background given to the couple before they make the discovery and it was not bad reading – there just wasn’t any thrill.  But I’m here to say do not give up on it!  Once you get over that first hump (roughly 1/3 of the book) this book turns into a wild ride!  I dove in and did not emerge until the end, leaving me breathless!

I don’t want to give away what the couple finds on their honeymoon, but I found the idea to be really original and not something I’ve read a bunch of times.  I also thought the main character was really relatable and she got further and further entangled you could see how you would have done the exact same thing!  But at the same time you’re cringing saying, no!  Don’t do it!  One of the things I truly loved about this book was the character’s totally realistic and complex reaction to betrayal.

The writing style was similar to Ruth Ware who I love!

You need this book if you like Ruth Ware’s style of thrillers.  Good twisty read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
See my reviews @ mamaneedsabook.blogspot.com