Review: Something in the Water

Summary: 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. -- Ballantine

The women's suspense novel SOMETHING IN THE WATER  has been getting a lot of great buzz! First, it was written by Catherine Steadman who is a British actress who starred in Downton Abbey. (To answer your question, she can both act and write... and she's stunning!) It was also selected by Reese Weatherspoon as a Hello Sunshine book pick and it has been optioned by 20th Century Fox; and it's already a #1 New York Times best-seller!

Well if those facts don't convince you to pick up SOMETHING IN THE WATER, maybe my review will give you a nudge. I read this novel at the beach and I honestly couldn't put it down. I was riveted to this story about a couple vacationing in Bora Bora whose lives are forever changed when they find "something in the water" while scuba diving.

Erin is a documentary filmmaker who is making a film about convicts and life after prison, and Mark is an investment banker who has recently lost his job due to a downturn in the economy. They decide to still go on a dream vacation for a much needed break before coming back home and finalizing their wedding plan. Mark is definitely feeling depressed and is concerned about money, but they decide to make the best of things and enjoy the vacation. Mark wants to go scuba diving and Erin agrees even though it's not exactly Erin's favorite pastime.

While scuba diving in the gorgeous water (albeit water that has sharks!), Mark discovers papers floating in the water. Upon further investigation, he discovers that a small plane has crashed into the ocean. All of the passengers are dead but he finds a cell phone, a gun, and a duffle bag full of money. A chain of events occur that are pretty spectacular, and Mark and Erin find themselves with the money and a huge mess on their hands. Things quickly escalate and neither Mark nor Erin know who to trust or what to believe.

I thoroughly enjoyed SOMETHING IN THE WATER from the very first page! In fact, the beginning of this book when Erin is digging a grave will knock your socks off. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and it's interesting to see how Erin and Mark turn on others (and each other) to protect themselves and the money. I loved the cat and mouse games, and the book was full of surprises. All in all it was one heck of an entertaining novel and will make a great movie!

Besides being a great mystery, I also enjoyed how the author portrayed Erin and her documentary career. Erin was working on a movie with convicts who were starting their lives after living in prison for a variety of crimes. These secondary characters and the psychology behind them were extremely interesting, and I appreciated how they were woven into the story.

Finally, I liked that the book wasn't exactly wrapped up with a nice red bow. Many of the mysteries were revealed, but there was also a lot to think about... which means it was a great book in my mind. If a book can entertain me and make me think, that's really saying something!

I loved SOMETHING IN THE WATER. Highly recommended to fans of women's psychological thrillers!

I received a copy of this novel at the 2018 BEA.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.