A Study in Drowning

by Ava Reid

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE WOLF AND THE WOODSMAN AND JUNIPER AND THORN

'A love letter to stories - and to everyone silenced or forgotten in their retelling.' Allison Saft, author of A Far Wilder Magic.

Effy has always believed in fairy tales. She's had no choice. Since childhood, she's been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She's found solace only in the pages of Angharad - a beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, and then destroys him.

Effy's tattered copy is all that's keeping her afloat through her stifling first term at her prestigious architecture college. So when the late author's family announces a contest to design his house, Effy feels certain this is her destiny.

But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit estate on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, she finds she isn't the only one who's made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin's papers and is determined to prove her favourite author is a fraud.

As the two rival students investigate the reclusive author's legacy, piecing together clues through his letters, books, and diaries, they discover that the house's foundation isn't the only thing that can't be trusted. There are dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspiring against them - and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

• Publish Date: 19 September 2023
• Publish Status: Forthcoming
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Cornerstone
• Imprint: Del Rey
• Edition: Waterstones Exclusive
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 384
• Language: English
• Special: Sprayed Edges

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Effy Sayre has loved fairy tales ever since she was a little girl. The truth in those words resonated deeply with her, though she would never willingly admit that fact. Not when the world is so keen to judge her.

Her love of stories made her want to study literature. Unfortunately, the literature wing doesn't accept women, so she chose the next best thing – architecture. Yet, when given the chance to dive into the world of her favorite author, Effy doesn't hesitate. Not even when that brings her into a world of danger.

My Review:

I have heard SO much hype about A Study in Drowning, especially in collector forums. To my understanding, people were going wild trying to get their hands on the limited editions of various book boxes.

Naturally, that made me pretty excited to give it a try. While I enjoyed the overall aesthetic and moral of the story, I'll admit that I didn't find it as enchanting as I had hoped. That said, I couldn't quite put my finger on why.

Part of the problem is that I did struggle to get into A Study in Drowning. That said, once the environment changed and the layers of lies got pulled back, I became more invested in the story.

The mystery was a satisfying one. Looking closely, you can see how all the puzzle pieces fit together. It's always a good feeling when that happens, don't you think? Anyway, if you're looking for a book that merges fantasy, gothic vibes, and mysteries, this book is for you.

Highlights:
Gothic Fantasy
Mystery Elements
Dark Academia

Trigger Warnings:
Drowning
Abandonment
Sexual Assault (mentioned)

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