This is my first book by Jennifer McMahon and oh my goodness, it will not be my last. Unforgettable, haunting and very chilling.

"The Drowning Kind" is mystery with historical and paranormal elements - although thanks to McMahon's writing, it reads like a completely realistic story. The narrative alternates between the present and the year 1929, which is significant because the historical perspective explains the dark past of the family and the Brandenburg Springs Hotel. Specifically, in the late 1920s, a newlywed Ethel Monroe made a wish to become a mother, but in exchange for granting her wish, the Spring curses her family forever.

And so in the present day, Jax learns that her sister Lexie has drowned in the same pool in which other women from the family had drowned. Lexie was a troubled, bipolar sister with some manic episodes - for example, she persistently claimed that a woman was calling her to the bottom of the pool. But perhaps... she wasn't being manic after all.

This novel is an incredibly well-written tale of a dysfunctional family caught up in an old curse. The character development was a very strong suit of the novel, with the sisters coming alive on the pages. Just the same, the plot kept me hook throughout the novel and I couldn't put it down, even though I don't tend to reach for any kind of historical fiction.

I was lucky to listen to the audiobook version of The Drowning Kind, which was stunning. It is narrated by two incredibly skilled, subtle yet convincing narrators who made the story come alive for me. I would highly recommend this format for an elevated experience of this thriller and an extra chill factor. I couldn't put it down!

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I've always been told that unanswered prayers are answers in themselves. Wishing for something is one thing, but sometimes, not getting what you wish for is truly best. Told from two different times, The Drowning Kind explores this entire concept with a sinister twist.

IVF wasn't a "thing" back in the late 20's when Ethel is wishing for a baby. Instead, she makes her wish on a "magical" spring. However, having your wish come true means giving something up in return...

When Lexie is found drowned in the pool of her grandmother's estate, Jax learns just what Lexie was doing - digging up the past. As she too picks up the "shovel", she learns exactly what happens when your wishes come true.

While it sounds somewhat magical, it's really metaphorical. Unable to put it down, I was able to read this in 1 sitting and I'm sure that anyone who loves a good mystery with a historical twist will love this one too!

The Drowning Kind was my third Jennifer McMahon book and it did not disappoint! McMahon has this hypnotic, atmospheric style of writing that just keeps you reading. Two stories are presented, the first in 2019, revolving around Jackie, whose sister has just drowned. The second is of Ethel in 1929, a young wife seeking to have a baby.

The stories parallel around Brandenburg Springs in Vermont, which is an odd, sulfuric, black ice cold water source that somehow heals and grants wishes to anyone that touches it, but at a severe cost. Whatever it gives you, it takes something else away. Through the story, we learn more about the history of Brandenburg and the secrets it holds in its seemingly haunted waters. I really liked learning about Jackie and Lexie’s friendship as sisters and discovering the history of the Springs. I enjoyed the ending, though it was a little abrupt.

I read and listened to this book. The narration was a little stiff, but didn't take away from the story. I liked the dreamy sounding voice for Ethel's chapters. While reading, I found it fascinating to consider the lengths we go to in order to save family and sacrifices we are willing to make.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio / Gallery Books / Scout Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

“Are the Brandenburg Springs cursed? Could they bring great misfortune as well as great healing? For every wish granted is something taken in return? Something to balance the scales?” Many people swear by the healing powers of the Brandenburg Springs, but just as many are extremely frightened by them. There’s something in the water...
Jax ignored the last phone call from her sister Lex, but is devastated when she finds out her sister has drowned in the pool at Sparrow Crest, the home she inherited from her Grandmother, the home with a dark history. When Jax returns to Sparrow Crest to sort through her sisters life, she sees and hears things, things that can’t be real. What happened to Lex that night? Will she be able to put the pieces together soon enough to save herself? The pages turn themselves in this story and the ending is quite a doozy! So creepily good!