I loved the beginning of the book which started out strong grabbing me from the very first sentence. It will be a good summer read and I see Reese Witherspoon has chosen this for her book club. I love thrillers and this one had me hooked although I don't think the last half of the book was a strong as the first half. Lots of unbelievable events. If you can suspend disbelief for the last half of the book, you will enjoy the twists.

Grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go! This book will keep you guessing right until the end. Full of twists and mystery. This is a do not miss that will have you asking yourself, "What would you do?"

Well, I gave this book the old college try, but it was not for me. Although the book has a good hook (it opens with the protagonist digging a grave), the plot line became so unbelievable that I just could not go on. At the point when a novice scuba diver goes on an open water wreck dive, I almost gave up but continued for a while longer. By the time I had read 45 percent of the book, I just could not suspend my disbelief sufficiently to enjoy the book any longer. Steadman is a decent writer and creates engaging characters, but the plot wasn't believable in the least.

Title: Something in the Water
Author: Catherine Steadman
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this good fast paced and thought provoking read which was about two newlyweds [Erin & Mark] who honeymooned Bora Bora. They enjoyed the weather, great food and loved scuba diving, however while scuba diving they find something in the water that did definitely change their lives. How will this twist of fate change their lives as they had back home to plan what they will do with the items found in that suitcase? How will these two deal with 'a sudden ethically and legally challenging issue.' Definitely there will be some very bad reasoning made that will only follow in a wave of horrible decisions for these two.

I liked how this author was able to draw the reader into a riveting psychological suspense-thriller and mysterious read where one will find themselves on the edge of your seat with all that will be happening in this story from all of its twist and turns. The author really knows how to give the reader a well developed plot as well as defined characters that will keep your attention. So, if you are interesting a a roller coaster ride you will be into a treat from this read.

Something in the Water is a must read. For me, it was a slow start but I didn't let that stop me, sticking with it only allowed me to be going right along with the story. Catherine Steadman has written herself a story where the reader (me in this instance) is intrigued by what is going on in the book, there are times when you find yourself talking to the book and providing assistance, not changing the story any but agreeing/disagreeing with what takes place. Without giving anything away, this is a book that will keep you interested/intrigued and is certainly not a sleeper, it is one that you definitely want to read.

This book reminded me of a roller coaster that takes off really fast at first...then levels out for a bit and then all the sudden picking up speed with rough twists and drops.

I truly loved learning about these characters and the story was original also. They completely balance each other out.
The basis of the book is when newlyweds discover "SOMETHING IN THE WATER" (get it) and have to make some decisions as to what to do. Not going to lie, I sometimes found my self saying in fusteration while reading "What the heck are you doing" "Are you crazy" and "Why?????"
I was shocked that this is Catherine Steadman's first book. For a debut writer she has set the bar very high for the rest of her books.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Catherine Steadman for the opportunity to read her debut novel. 4.5 stars to this Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick! Wow - can't wait to read more from this author because this was a great book!

The book opens with Erin digging a grave to bury a body. Not just any body - her new husband's body. Then we go back in the past several months to Erin and Mark's story of their relationship and marriage. They hit some hurdles before the marriage - Mark loses his job as a banker and Erin is busy with her film documentary following prisoners leading up to and after their release - but they eventually find themselves on an idyllic honeymoon in Bora Bora. Until they find something in the water.

This is a fast-paced thrill ride although it can be similar to watching a horror movie and shouting to the screen, "No! Don't go in that creepy basement by yourself!" But it is written in such a way that will have you thinking along the lines of...what would I do in this situation?

Highly recommended - bravo on a great debut novel!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. It started out good but lost interest before the end. There were some events that didn’t ring true for me. It is a bit wordy and I skimmed through a lot of it. If I hadn’t agreed to read and review this book, I wouldn’t have finished it.

Something in the Water had me from the first chapter. Well, more accurately, from the first line. I have to say that the opening line is one of the strongest that I've come across in the genre. Catherine Steadman doesn't ease us into this tale, she pulls us in head first. From there our narrator, Erin, takes us back a few months to give a bit of context to where she is when the story opens. The pace does slow down some during the next few chapters and I'll admit that at times I was tempted to skim. Thankfully, I resisted that temptation because there are some important things revealed even though I didn't realize that until later. Once Erin and Mark find what is in the water, the pacing picks up and it's a mix of twists, doubt, and frustration. Yes, frustration. Erin frustrated me to no end with her actions. There were points in this book that I seriously wanted to shake some sense into this woman. In fact, if it were a movie, I would've been talking to her - What are you doing? That's not going to end well! Stop! Don't do that! Then we have her husband, Mark, who comes across as a controlling jerk almost from the very beginning. For two people who are seemingly so much in love, these two spend a crazy amount of time keeping secrets from each other. Oddly enough, the most open person in the story is Eddie, who happens to be in prison. Yes, he's a criminal. Yes, he does favors, but he also expects a return on that investment.Yes, I absolutely loved Eddie!

My advice - read this one. Read every word and pay attention. Then when you get to the conclusion, look back and count up how many aha moments you missed. And when you're done with that, take a few and really think about how it all played out and ask yourself if given the same set of circumstances, would you make the same decisions as Erin.

I was a bit disappointed that some questions don't really get answered. At least not completely, but everything considered, I'm not sure I'd want all of those answers if I were in Erin's shoes.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine Books for the ARC of this incredible book.

First off if this is her debut novel then I am certainly looking for future novels by Catherine Steadman because this book was a pleasure to read. Psychological Thrillers seems to be the “genre du jour” right now and each one is always being billed as the next “Girl on the Train” but this is the first book I’ve read that actually lived up to the hype. The plot was very well conceived and the ending really is shocking. I had 3 different scenarios in my mind the whole time I was reading this book and it was not even close to the ending.

Yes, the beginning of the book is a little mundane but if you stick through you’ll be rewarded!!! Put this one at the top of the TBR pile!

Something in the Water Catherine Steadman 6/4/18

“Being a criminal is mentally exhausting.” Couldn’t sum it up better myself! Erin proves that everything you think you know, you don’t in this un-put-downable thriller.
Steadman’s pithy humor and full bodied, suspenseful story hooked me and didn’t let go. The characters are realistic, Erin’s personality is especially sarcastic and to the point, while the plot is intriguing and keeps you on your toes. Bravo!

The author does a good job of mounting suspense. This was a fast, entertaining read. I did find some parts of it unbelievable at times but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.

A long, idyllic honeymoon in Bora Bora seemed like the perfect start to their marriage, and it was, until Erin and Mark found something in the water…something that would change their ordinary, humdrum lives in a way they never thought possible.
If you love a great, multi-layered psychological thriller, this is a book you don’t want to miss. I couldn’t believe this novel was written by a debut writer. Simply brilliant!

This was a captivating thriller from start to finish. An unusual plot, a relationship that's dense with subtext and drama, and a pace that propels the reader to the stunning conclusion.

WOW! What a debut novel by Catherine Steadman! The short version of the premise is it's about newlyweds who go on their honeymoon and find "something in the water." The insanity that follows made it nearly impossible to put this book down. This book keeps you guessing throughout until the very last chapter. There are tons of plot twists and lots of suspense and many times when I thought the plot was headed one way- it went another. I struggle a bit with all the info about the interviews for her documentary but it all made sense in the end. This was a great read and will be looking forward to more from this author in the future. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book for my fair and honest review.

This psychological thriller has depths like the ocean in Bora Bora, where a lot of the main action takes place. Although the book has a slow start, it quickly builds tension amid the struggles that a young honeymoon couple face. I really enjoyed the premise of the book, but I would have liked the story to move along faster. The secondary story of Erin, a documentary filmmaker, interviewing prisoners seemed unnecessary for a long time, but then the reader sees the reason for including this storyline. I will most remember the moment when the couple,, Erin and Mark, are in the middle of enjoying a dream honeymoon and then discover something in the water that will change their lives. It was important that they decide together what they will do with their discovery and that Erin was at first very reluctant to participate. She then becomes the stronger character as she becomes bold and decisive once the die is cast. Readers of twisted psychological thrillers will enjoy this book, but they should not expect instant gratification. This book builds slowly to a story that is both engaging and mind-blowing. Readers cannot help but wonder, “What would I do?” The couple’s decision to keep secret what they find in the water sets the stage for a thriller that will not disappoint.

Definitely the best debut novel I have ever read! This thriller was so different from other books....loved how the plot was weaved together to make a fantastic story. I've been recommending to everyone I know. Thanks for the advance copy. I'll be waiting for her next book!!!

This is not going to be an in depth review. This book has to many ways that I could spoil it unintentionally by writing it up.

Let's just say it's a story about a young couple on their honeymoon in Bora Bora. They find something in the water while scuba diving. The book got me right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. That's not to say that there were't things that were kind of cliche. That being said, the good out weighs the bad. My advice is to read the book!!

There is one thing that every good book has in common, regardless of genre. Any guesses? Answer: Voice. It's not something specific that can be pointed out most of the time, and it's often times subtle. This book had it from the getgo, obvious from the opening chapter. Hard to ignore. Combine that with an exciting plot and relatable characters, and you have yourself a winner - that's what we have here.

My only complaint is something I can't put my finger on, but I felt like something was missing from the plot. Ultimately there were surprises and appropriate twists and turns, but the action lagged a bit in the middle third. But the voice keeps it going and makes up for the lag in action, and it all wraps up appropriately. I could imagine some being a bit unsatisfied with the conclusion, as it does leave some questions unanswered. But for me, I felt as if enough information was shared to satisfy my commitment, and for that I'm pleased.

All things considered, Something in the Water is a good debut thriller, and I do recommend it. And with that voice...Catherine Steadman is a name to watch.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

There is a reason greed is one of the seven deadly sins. Greed can ruin the best things in life and in this case, it has its sights set on Erin and Mark, honeymooners in Bora Bora. With him recently unemployed, greed saw an opening into what otherwise may have been a beautiful marriage and partnership. A few times I wanted to yell at the characters about something stupid they had done or something I wasn't sure why they hadn't done. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and spent a lot of time wondering just where it would end up, even though Ms. Steadman tells you right at the beginning of the story. Somehow that helps build the suspense instead of ruining the book.