Something in the Water: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

by Catherine Steadman

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • “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

A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller from the author of Mr. Nobody and The Disappearing Act.

“Steadman keeps the suspense ratcheted up.”—The New York Times

ITW THRILLER AWARD FINALIST • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY GLAMOUR AND NEWSWEEK

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.

• ISBN10: 1524797677
• ISBN13: 9781524797676
• Publish Date: 9 April 2019 (first published 5 June 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Ballantine Books Inc.
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781524797676

Reviews

[mrs_mander_reads]

I had high hopes for this one, and ended up being disappointed. The plot felt really contrived to me.

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

Goodreads Progress

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.

That opening line had me at hello and grabbed my attention as to learn not only who she was burying but why.



I couldn't help but roll my eyes while Mark and, particularly Erin were planning their wedding. Their theme being "We can't afford this but it's our special day and we want to feel like a Prince and Princess before we go bankrupt". Sadly, that is not an exaggeration.

I feel like this is just stating the obvious. With every turn I questioned their judgement, starting with picking up the damn bag in the first place until the very last sentence it was stupid decision after stupid decision. Was there something in the water that was making them stupid?


This mainly surrounded the USB and getting rid of the diamonds that were both found in the bag.  The attempts to dispose of these items came across as a flounder and I felt the author stumbled on how to go about it.  However, she had great pacing that kept my interest and for the most part was able to overlook it.



Mark is creepy and clearly secretive.  I wanted to yell at Erin to run as far away as possible and don't look back.  I could see the wheels turning in his brain that something evil was afoot, I just didn't know when the other shoe was going to drop.



The ending of Something in the Water had me on the edge of my seat.  However, I would have really liked to have known what was on the USB.  Sure it was bad but, was it Russians hacking the 2016 election bad or Erin Brockovich winning Best Picture bad?  Inquireing minds want to know.  Overall, I found it an entertaining, satisfying read.

This review was originally posted on First Impressions Reviews

[A Darker Shade of Rosie]

✨ A Darker Shade of Rosie + Twitter ✨

→ LIKED: The beginning of the book opened up with the main character digging a grave for her spouse. • Lots of suspense and mystery. Also, you have a constant question nagging you throughout the entire novel: why she was digging a grave for her spouse in the first place? • I was always wondering how her husband was going to die. • The couple's honeymoon takes place in Bora Bora - on my list of dream destinations! • The author did a fantastic job of making me not want to put down the book because of her building suspense.

→ DISLIKED: I wasn't really satisfied with the end result. • The end literally made me upset. It just ended so abruptly. • I wish the author could have just dragged the book on longer than she did because she was really good at keeping me on the edge of my seat (metaphorically) and I honestly just didn't want it to end.

I listened to this book and the audiobook was great, narrated by the author. The story kept me interested because I kept wanting to know how Erin would get out of the mess she and her husband had found themselves in. There were some parts that were a bit “convenient” and seemed way too simple. Did I enjoy it? Yes.

[pagesbycyndy]

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I became engrossed with this story pretty much from the beginning. I was not a huge fan of Erin and Mark as a couple, I liked Erin way more than Mark but at times I wanted to shake some sense into her as she made blunder after blunder. I am being very vague because it is not easy to review without giving away anything. Suffice it to say, this story is an edge of your seat thrill ride. I could not put this book down. There were so many twists and turns and as I mentioned my issue with Erin was that she was a bit naive at times,.

If you like thriller with a huge twist and great plot this is for you.This review was originally posted on My Fiction Obsession