2.5*
Once again I find myself sitting quietly on outlier island.

I had been reading so many fabulous five-star reviews for this book I knew I have to jump on board too. Having a serious case of FOMO and all.

But here I am again, left wondering what all the excitement was about.🤷🏻‍♀️

Jax and Lexie were sisters who went to their grandmother’s home every summer. The large estate was perfect to play in and then of course there was the pool. The only rule…never swim at night. There is a history to that pool and as the book progresses we are privy to what happened here.

Told in two timelines:

Now– with Jax returning to the estate following the death of her sister.

1929 – as we learn the history of the estate.

Unfortunately, I had trouble connecting with both timelines.

I listened to the audio version and though the past did hold my interest a bit more as it had a bit of an eerie quality to it, I found the narrator for this portion of the book to be somewhat distracting.

There are so many five-star reviews out there for this book so please take a look at those before making a decision.

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

A buddy 🎧 with Susanne.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio.

This book has two timelines, which eventually connect to supposedly explain phenomena and superstition related to a spring. In the older timeline, people believed that the spring had healing properties which were given at an unknown price, resulting in some future tragedy. The character believed that the spring helped her conceive, and then helped keep her child alive. In the present day timeline, the main character's sister drowned in the pool/spring and there are mysterious happenings when the girl's family visits to make the funeral arrangements. The vibe is spooky, but not over the top. It was difficult to see how the timelines would connect, which kept me reading, but ultimately, the "explanation" was anticlimactic for me. I enjoyed the ride, but felt somewhat let down by the ending.

Review also published on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

Atmospheric, Eerie, and Dark.

Bad decisions have unfortunate consequences for all in “The Drowning Kind” by Jennifer McMahon.

The Present: Jax and her sister Lex have a complicated relationship. Close when they were young, they are now estranged. Lex, you see, is manic-depressive and has wreaked havoc in Jax’s life. One day, Jax gets the worst news and has to fly across the country to Vermont to face the inevitable.

The Past: Ethel and Will visit the Brandenburg Springs Hotel with high hopes, to see the Springs, known for its healing powers, something Ethel desperately needs. The Springs however require something in return. If you take, you must give something back.

When the Brandenburg Springs Hotel burns to the ground a year later, a home is built in its place, which later becomes home to Jax and Lex.

And so it begins.

Known for its supernatural powers, the ability of the springs and the pools are far-reaching and extremely potent. Many have been impacted and secrets lie deep within.

Supernatural, creepy and wild, “The Drowning Kind” gave me a feeling of agitation throughout. Though I wanted to love this novel, it was an extremely slow burn that didn’t quite click with me until the very end. Admittedly, I listened to the audiobook of this and didn’t like one of the narrators and that may be one of the reasons why I didn’t exactly mesh with the storyline.

This was another buddy listen with Kaceey.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the alc.

Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Insta.

3 stars. Decent plot, kept my interest, but then it didn't. Overall, I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I cannot really complain. Just not overly memorable.

This book lived up to the standards my husband and I had set. We buddy read this book and it was a blast. Some parts in the middle got a little confusing, but overall, such an enjoyable reading experience.

Another great book by Jennifer McMahon!! She is becoming one of my must read authors.

This is a creepy read, not scary but enough to keep you reading. There's two timelines that tie things together.

I finished in one sitting and recommend this if you're looking for a mysterious read.

Thanks NetGalley for providing me a copy. I both read & listened to the audiobook. Narrator was great and helped pull me into the story more.

I absolutely loved this suspense novel from Jennifer McMahon. The Drowning Kind is a multigenerational story of mysterious miracles and devastating loss surrounding the natural springs at Sparrow Crest. The water seems to have healing capabilities that are almost magical but in return for granting your wish, it exacts a price. As there are rumors of drownings and loss, as well as supernatural glimpses seen in the water, the warnings to stay away grow stronger and it’s pull is irresistible. With a strong cast of characters this story is captivating and a refreshing addition to this genre. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

I know that Mystery/Thriller books are often hit or miss for me but I was lured in by the mystery posed, the strained sisterly relationship, and tangential story lines.

This book kept me engaged through the entirety of this book, at no point did I not want to pick it up again and continue this story. But I also at no point really felt anything in regards to this story.

While the concept was interesting, and even the execution was there. The characters are what I think was honestly the part that fell short. The present day characters ended up feeling very hollow, and I don't feel like there was really any growth of character in Jax. I'm still struggling to wrap my head around how I got to the ending we did.

If you want something that is intriguing and a bit spooky but isn't super deep, This is for you.

This book was a lot creepier than I expected. I thought it was going to be a murder mystery, a woman trying to find out how her sister died. I was delightfully surprised to find that it was not a mystery. It is most definitely a horror ghost story. There are two interweaving stories, taking place in the late 1920s and the present day. Everything revolves around a mysterious pool on the family estate, and like the pool itself, you find yourself getting sucked in. The writing wasn’t perfect, and I would have liked to see some things resolved better, but the ending slaps you in the face in the best way. If you hear screaming in the distance, it’s probably me, still thinking about this book.

4.5 Stars!

Holy Moly, what a ride! I don't know what I was expecting with this book... I'd never read the author's work before but the blurb intrigued me and I love the cover, so I figured, what the heck! From the beginning, the sense of dread and building tension is strong. The opening scene is two little girls, playing in a swimming pool. But this isn't just the regular kinda pool you'd find in the suburbs. Instead of a filter, the pool is fed by a natural spring. The water always looks black. And the temperature is always cold.

The story is told between two alternating POVs and timelines. One, where it is modern day with these sisters - Lexi and Jax. And the other, in 1929, where Ethel Monroe is the new bride of Dr. Will Monroe. They want a baby and have been trying for a year. They're beginning to worry. So Will whisks his bride away for a romantic weekend to the beautiful Brandonberg Springs Hotel & Resort in Vermont where legend has it that the natural springs there have healing powers...and that they grant wishes.

"Be careful what you wish for."

What unfolds from there is a nail-biting, interwoven, dark and twisty thriller that set its hooks in me until the last word. I've seen descriptors in other reviews such as atmospheric, dark, gothic, horror, thriller...and they are all absolutely true. The pool is as much a main character in this book as Lexi, Jax, and Ethel are. The book does have a supernatural quality to it, though I would definitely not classify this as a fantasy or even a paranormal.

"What's the difference between a ghost and a memory?

I reviewed an audio version of this book and thought that both narrators, Joy Osmanski and Imani Jade Powers, did an excellent job. I especially enjoyed the job that the narrator for Ethel Monroe did. She did an excellent job of portraying a well-to-do woman from late 1920's New England.

As with most of my thriller/mystery/suspense reads of late, though impactful and shocking, I though the ending was a bit rushed and I was left with a few open, unanswered questions. This is really the only thing that kept this from being a full 5-star read for me.

This was a haunting tale that stayed with me long after reading the last word. It's not overly scary (full disclosure - I do NOT watch scary movies. I'm a wimp). I would describe it as more of a dark and creepy family saga, with an amazing atmospheric quality to it. I would highly recommend this one to lovers of thrillers, suspense, and even horror reads. I cannot wait to check out more of this author's work soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books / Simon & Schuster Audio for sharing this ARC with me in exchange an honest review.

This was my first Jennifer McMahon book and now I'm excited to read more! "The Drowning Kind" was moody and atmospheric, and totally creepy. I'm not usually into supernatural elements but this one was low-key enough that I found myself enjoying it. McMahon does an excellent job weaving in details about the challenges of mental health and substance abuse and painting an eery picture of "the pool." I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives of Jackie and Ethel. Recommend!

Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback!

I always look forward to reading a book by Jennifer McMahon, you know it is going to be spooky, sentimental, and set in Vermont. And this book did not disappoint.
The book switched back between 1929 and 2019 and revolves around the springs in Bradenburg, VT. In 2019, Jax is a social worker who lives across the country from her sister Lexie. The two are estranged, but after Lexie drowns in the pool at her grandmother's estate, Jax returns. She finds that her sister has been digging into the history of the estate and the water. It is darker than she ever thought.
In 1929, Ethel Monroe has been married to her husband William for a year, but unable to conceive a child. They learn of a resort in Vermont where the spring is said not only to have healing properties but can grant wishes. Ethel makes a wish for a child but never thinks that the water might want something in return.
McMahon knows how to write a creepy and downright scary scene. I also love the touch of ambiguity she puts in her novels, making you doubt if the reasonable answer is the truth or if something supernatural is going on. The twists are smart and the connections between the storylines are strong. I had the desire to go through the book again and find the clues McMahon dropped throughout.
Jennifer McMahon remains one of my favorite authors and this book proves why.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

I was excited to get my first audio book from netgalley!! The fact the it was one of my favorite authors was even better!!! Jennifer McMahon is an auto read author for me! I've been anxiously awaiting a new book from her and was thrilled to get the chance to listen to this one early!!! McMahon did it again I love love loved this story!! This was told from 2 different eras and as the story is told you see how they link up to make one amazingly creepy story!! She has a way with ghostly stories that amazes me!! No wish comes true without something being taken away!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My thanks to Net Galley and Simon.and Schuster for allowing me to review this audio.

This story is told in 2 timelines. Social worker Jax returns to her family home after her sister Lexie died via drowning in the family pool on her grandmother s estate. While going thru her stuff she discovers her sister was doing research on the house. Lexie s aunt was also a drowning victim as well. As time goes on Jax s father sees Lexies ghost and talks of a woman in the water drawing people in. Jax does not believe this and searches for the truth.

The other part is from 1929 where Ethel Munroe desperately wants a child and goes to the springs of a hotel and is granted her wish. She hears stories of the springs be cursed. Ethel finds the water gives but the water takes.

I had difficulty connecting to the story and had a hard time figuring out how Ethel s story was linked to Jax and present day, but it eventually gets linked almost near the end. It was almost like 2 separate stories. Not bad though. Decent supernatural ghost story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an audiobook ARC copy of this amazing novel!!!

Jennifer McHahon does it again! This gothic tale twists between generations of families. The same pool of water that was magical to some and deadly to others....

I loved this book. It had just the right amount of spooky paranormal aspects as well as some general mystery settings. What happened to Lexi? McMahon knows how to seemlessly weave paranormal activity in with the reality just enough to creep you out. You start to wonder if you believe it or not! This book had a few similarities to The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek by Rhett Mclaughlin and Link Neal. I think water is scary as heck so this book was similar to the other, but in a good way!!

The surprise ending had me completely SHOOK and I'm so glad I had a friend on Instagram to discuss it with, because WOW!

5 STARS, of course. I will read anything this lady writes! She's spooky and I love it!!!

The Queen of Creep strikes again! I've long been a fan of Jennifer McMahon's books, and this one was just as fantastic as all the others. I love how she expertly manages to weave supernatural elements into all her stories in a way that's JUST realistic enough that you 100% believe they could really, truly be real . This believability factor is what makes her books so phenomenal- they're scary because you fully believe they could happen. I will continue to blindly read ANYTHING this woman writes- bring on the next!

I really enjoyed this book so much! When Jax's sister is found dead in her family's pool, Jax ends up going to the house to take care of affairs. As she is there she starts to learn that her sister was researching the family's pool and property history and finds, she's not the first to have drowned in the pool. I was so surprised by how spooky and creepy this story became and loved the tingling I felt as I started to understand what was really happening. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen and that surprise ending had me like - "Whaaat?" This book was a surprise and a delight for me. If you like supernatural, spooky stories you will love this.

Book Review

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narration was excellent, along with the suspenseful plot. I don’t like too many twists & turns with audiobooks, as I feel like it’s difficult to follow along with the storyline. Regardless, the storyline kept my attention, with some plot twists towards the end that were surprising!

Synopsis:

Is there something in the water? This is a dual story-line, with one story line being present day and the other being in the 1920s.

The present day storyline is told by Jax, who stays busy in her job as a social worker. She receives a notification that her estranged sister Lexi has drowned, which prompts her to return to the house they grew up in, the house that Lexi inherited. While there, Jax starts to learn how little she knew about their history within the house & the pool that lies outside.

The other storyline is told by Ethel, who lives in the 1920s with her husband. She is happily married, but desperately seeking a child. When her husband books them a vacation to a new posh hotel that contain magical springs, she decides to put their magic to the rest. Shortly after, she is warned that each wish granted comes with a price.

Thank you NetGalley & Gallery/Scout books for this ARC!

Jennifer McMahon is becoming one of my favorite authors.! This is another fantastic book that I didn't want to end. I listened to the audio version and I will probably read the book version also! I love a book with supernatural elements in it, and this story has plenty. The story is told in the present and the past (1929) about a grandmother's estate with a natural spring pool that grants wishes/provides miracles so people want to swim in it for different reasons - but the pool gives and then it takes. - and has many victims. Yikes! It's also about family and weaves the past and present together. If you like a mystery/thriller with a very creepy vibe, you'll like this book. It was so much fun, and I will be recommending it to friends and family! Thank you #NetGalley for letting me listen to and provide a review for this book.

HOLY EPILOGUE!!!

A few months ago, I read The Uninvited by Jennifer McMahon and I absolutely fell in love with her writing. I am so grateful to netgalley for the chance to read The Drowning Kind in advance.

In this story we are following two sisters and their relationship to the strange pool that has connected them through their entire lives. When one sister faces an untimely death, the other has to piece together the clues of her death before she succumbs to the secrets as well.

This book gave me big Haunting of Hill House vibes—-and I love that. Jennifer paints such a beautiful picture with her writing and her characters in this book are so captivating. Dual timelines are so hard because I think it’s often easy to bore of one storyline but not with this one. We follow two timelines and I was equally captivated by them both.

The only thing that kept me from a 5 star rating was the slower start. I know to expect this with McMahon but I want to warn others so they don’t give up too early! It took a minute to hit some action but it is so worth the background we are given.

I would definitely recommend this book for any thriller or paranormal lover! If you’re a fan of authors like Simone St. James, I think Jennifer McMahon is also for you!