Christina McDonald never disappoints. I just love her books. These Still Black Waters is a gripping, twisting and unpredictable thriller murders. This will have you not wanting to put this down and unable to figure out who did what until the end. This was well worth the wait. This is about friendships that go wrong and making choices that are wrong and you regret it with grief, trauma and the haunting past. You will just love this as much as I did. Thank you NetGalley.

This book is loaded with suspense, a wonderful pair of main characters, and a mysterious killer hellbent on revenge. I loved the atmospheric and slightly spooky setting at Black Lake and the dual POVs of a traumatized detective and a traumatized mother both trying to come to grips with their past as the excellent plot unfolds, building towards an interesting twist.

Two women are dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events. Both have skeletons in their closets. When a dead body is found, these women must confront their pasts.

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this mystery thriller and how much I liked the book overall. The characters are well developed, and I felt a strong connection to these women who are trying to put their lives back together. While there is a central emotional component to this story, the thriller aspect doesn’t take a back seat. I loved the clever, well-timed twists. This quick, addictive read left me thinking about motherhood and the impact of our choices.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for an early copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars.

Wow - what a read! These Still Dark Waters marks the first in a new series by Christina McDonald about a physically and psychologically damaged female detective, Jess, who gets involved in solving the case of a murdered woman, Bailey. Bailey’s former childhood friend, Neve, comes back to town and soon becomes involved in the case. In fact, Jess begins to suspect that Neve is involved somehow. And what secrets is Neve running from? Jess too has her own demons that she is struggling with as she tries to solve the murder.

Shifting between Jess’, Neve’s and the killer’s perspective, the story was well plotted and had a massive twist towards the end that was totally unexpected and surprising, leading to a dramatic and emotional conclusion.

The story took a little while to get into but it was definitely worth it. I liked the themes of choice, consequences, friendship, grief, motherhood, letting go, and the shades of grey of the characters. Jess, the main character, was very likeable and relatable. So, so, so good!! Highly recommend!! The series ends with the perfect set-up for Book 2 and more of Jess. I’ll definitely be picking up the next in this series.

Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

These Still Black Waters is a perfect Halloween read. The past always comes back to get you… Chilling suspense that was impossible to put down. I cannot wait to see more of Detective Jess Lambert!

This story is mostly told from the perspectives of two narrators. Neve has brought her adolescent daughter, Ash to the lake house where she spent summers while growing up in order to isolate themselves following a “home invasion”. Shortly after their arrival, a woman named Bailey is found murdered in the lake and Neve discovers that the victim is a former friend who she knew as Bee. The other narrator is Jess, a detective who is literally struggling with her own ghosts which threatens to compromise the investigation into the murder. Interspersed between the two narratives, we also read some short chapters revealing the thoughts of the murderer.
The book started out all over the place for me. Both Neve and Jess refer to secrets and tragedies from their pasts but the author gives us very little background information, like what exactly happened in the home invasion and what happened with Jess’ daughter. There are several inconsistencies such as Neve indicating that she never knew Bailey as “Bee” then thinking about how she followed her from her office knowing that she was the same person. The book kept me interested and it was fast-paced but I found myself frustrated with lack of relevant background information. AND THEN, things finally clicked in a most unexpected way. I can’t say much without spoilers but I was glad that I stuck with the story. I’m still confused about some things - it’s almost like I need to read it again but overall, it was very enjoyable and I encourage other readers to stick it out. The ending is mostly satisfying.
#NetGalley #ThomasandMercer

Wow this story was twisty! I had no idea what was going to happen for 36 chapters.That’s when I slowly started to piece things together. While I did figure it out, it did not ruin the book for me at all. Instead I thought to myself “that was genius!”
There are heartbreaking parts, but they just made the story that much better! I can’t wait to see what book #2 has in store.

I have been a huge fan of McDonald since the beginning and I was super pumped to get a new story! She always brings up thought provoking issues and not only makes you think, but throws in a bunch of twists along the way.
These Still Black Waters is the first in the Jess Lambert Detective Series. It reads slightly different then her previous novels in the sense that there is much more backstory to the characters and I think that is done on purpose.
I guessed one of the major twists ahead of time, however that did not ruin the book for me. It helped to increase my interest because I was curious to see it pan out. The mystery was great and I truly didn’t see the ending.
This is told by two POVs in alternating chapters and a third whose identity is unknown. I always enjoy a morally gray character and both Jess and Neve have their flaws. I am interested in seeing what happens next for Jess. Thank you Netgalley for my advance copy!

I found this twisty and intense thriller a quick and pretty addictive read which definitely kept me guessing throughout. I think These Still Black Waters is a promising start to what I’m hoping will be a series featuring Jess Lambert, a compelling and flawed character that I’d definitely like to meet again.

4.5 rounded up to 5

This book was so good!  The story was fast-paced and had me turning pages.  I was so invested that I actually lost track of time!  It was full of mystery, suspense, and revenge!

Neve Maguire decides to move to her childhood summer home of Black Lake after a violent home invasion.  She has brought her daughter Ash with her but not her husband.  She's hoping she can make a new life.  When a body is discovered in the lake, Neve starts to rethink her decision.
Detective Jess Lambert has faced tragedy and is now back on the job, trying to keep it together and find the killer.  When the two meet secrets start to emerge.  One of the secrets is deadly, and another body turns up.  Can Jess stop the killer before it's too late? 

Told in dual timelines and multiple POVs of Neve, Jess, and the killer, this book was well written and definitely kept my attention.  Part police procedural, part psychological thriller, this dark and twisty book had it all.  This was my 1st book by this author and most definitely will not be my last.  I would highly recommend this book.

This story alternates between the past and the present, and between Neve, Jess (the detective), and the killer.

We start out with Neve and her daughter moving into their holiday home after a traumatic home invasion that pushes Neve and Eli's teetering marriage to the brink. After a neighbor is killed and Detective Jess Lambert comes to investigate, we start to see similarities in their lives. Jess would love to reunite with her husband Mac, but not before she can rid herself of her guilt and sorrow over the loss of her child.

I was enjoying this atmospheric saga of friendship, secrets, and self-introspection, but at almost 90% into the book, I was blindsided by the turn the book took. I won't give away the spoiler, but to me, it was a deux ex machina that I felt should have been in the genre listing. Still, the story was suspenseful and the writing was good so I am not deducting from my rating for that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader's copy.

I went in to These Still Black Waters fairly blind and I think that helped me enjoy the story. There are some serious triggers so I would check them out if you are interested in reading this one. I have enjoyed the authors previous works so I was excited to read a series by her and I will be back for the rest of the series.

Neve has come back to her childhood summer house to start fresh with her daughter but as soon as she arrives she is mixed up in a murder investigation. Detective Jess Lambert is returning after a personal tragedy and can see something is off with Neve's story.

I did guess the big reveal but overall the story was enjoyable.

Neve Maguire and her daughter Ash have returned to Black Lake, looking for a safe haven after suffering a violent crime. Neve spent her childhood summers in Black Lake where not everything was idyllic, and Neve’s past threatens to come back to haunt her after a body is found in the lake near the house with a cryptic message carved into its tongue. Detective Jess Lambert, no stranger to tragedy herself, is sure that Neve is hiding something. While battling her own personal demons, Jess tries to unravel the secrets of the past that are behind the terrible repercussions all these years later.

Wow!! To say this book is not what I expected is an understatement! This is the kind of book that will have you saying “what did I just read?!” but in the very best way! Cleverly told from three POVs (Neve, Jess, and the killer), this story sucked me from the moment the body was found floating in the reeds and kept me guessing the entire time. What is Neve hiding? Is she an innocent victim or something much darker? Despite my best efforts to figure it out, I didn’t predict the killer and I never saw the big twist coming.

Not only is the plot taut and intense, but the writing is smart and wonderfully descriptive, and the character development is top notch. Jess is exceptionally well written, a tough detective and tortured soul, drowning her sorrows in alcohol but also determined to solve the crime. She really grew on me as the story progressed, and I’m excited to see that this is just the first Jess Lambert book and we’ll get to see her again in the future!

Also, can we just take a moment to talk about this cover? If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a sucker for a pretty cover, and this one is gorgeous! I love the symbolism of the pretty bloom on the still surface of the water with the dark tangle of weeds lurking below – a fitting metaphor for a sinister hidden past!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Wow 😯 this book left me speechless! I went into this only knowing a little bit and I’m glad because this book was such an amazing read. I did not see any of the twists coming! I was left with my jaw dropping at the end. This book is told by multiple point of views and one being the killer. I loved the killer’s point of view as I’ve never read anything like it. The character development throughout the book was spot on. If this book is not on your radar it NEEDS TO BE!!!

This one started off pretty slowly for me but picked up a lot about half way through . It’s definitely got some unexpected twists that will surprise you . And well there may or may not be a ghost 🤷🏼‍♀️. Or perhaps the detective Jess is just a drunk and hallucinating 🤔 You gotta read to find out !

I added this book to my TBR as soon as I knew about it. I have been a fan of Christina McDonald since her first book, The Night Olivia Fell. I've since read all of her books.

These Still Black Waters is a little different because it is the first in a series, all the others have been standalones. In this book we meet Detective Jess Lambert. Jess is a grieving mother who is not in the best headspace when we meet her. She is struggling with grief and alcohol, leaving us to question if she is a reliable narrator.. However, she is determined to continue her job and help solve a local murder (or two).,

In this book we see how guilt and past actions can reek havoc on those that we care about. One young woman fled home to Black Lake after a violent attack/home invasion. When a young woman is murdered, the one clue is a friendship bracelet from the past that could tie them together.

I was intrigued by Detective Jess Lambert. She is a likeable main character who clearly struggles with alcohol. You can't help but to root for her and to want her to come out on t0p. The town of Black Lake is definitely a little eerie. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I did guess the ending kind of early on. I am looking forward to the next book in the Jess Lambert series.

These Still Black Waters by Christina McDonald is a fantastic fast paced thriller that I really enjoyed.

I have loved all of this author's books since reading The Night Olivia Fell

About the Book:

After a violent home invasion, Neve Maguire returns with her daughter to Black Lake, her childhood summer home, hoping for a fresh start. But when the body of a woman is found floating among the reeds in the lake behind her house, she fears she has made a horrible mistake.

Neve is hiding secrets, though. Detective Jess Lambert can tell. Recently back after her own personal tragedy, Jess knows what it’s like to live with skeletons in your closet, and she’s sure Neve has a few of her own.

When another woman’s body is found, Jess and Neve are forced to confront a horrible truth. Because one thing is clear: the darkness of the past is waiting. And the secrets of Black Lake are only just beginning to surface.

The characters were well written, complex and fleshed out.
The mystery was filled with twists and turns.

I really liked Detective Jess and hope there are more books featuring her.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Christina McDonald for an ARC of this book!**

Being a parent can bring out the fiercest protector in you, and Neve Maguire is bound and determined to keep daughter Ash safe. A horrifying home invasion is all the impetus she needs to venture to Black Lake, a place she summered as a girl...even with some long-buried secrets causing fear and alarm to surface in her heart. However, the duo isn't there long before Black Lake no longer seems so safe: a body surfaces in the water behind Dullahan House. Neve begins to panic, and wonder if her past is quite literally coming to the surface.

Jess Lambert has been assigned to the case, and she's feeling desperate to prove her mettle. After a tragic car accident left her using a cane and also took her daughter Isla's life, she leans heavily on liquor to get through the day. When she interviews Neve, however, her instincts tell her that nothing is quite as it seems...and that she is working this case for a REASON. But can Jess discover the truth about the twisted past of Black Lake before ANOTHER body comes to the surface?

This is a difficult review to write, because I honestly had such different expectations for McDonald after the twisty, thoughtful, and emotionally impactful experience after finishing my first read from her, Do No Harm. If there's one thing McDonald does beautifully, it's weaving in emotion amidst a thrilling plot. But in the case of These Still Black Waters, the time required to get to this place in the narrative felt nearly interminable, and for me, it was almost too little, too late.

The plot itself felt reminiscent of SO MANY other thriller/mystery tales, and could be kindly described as thin at best. The meat and potatoes of the story can't even play out until the Big Twist is revealed...and this is nearly 80 PERCENT of the way through the book. Most of the early passages jump back in forth in time, through Neve's past, and there's also some italicized commentary from the unnamed killer along the way to keep you guessing, and while I admit I changed my mind several times about the killer's identity, I didn't feel 'wowed' at all by the reveal.

McDonald also leans into some flowery language, with similes that were a bit off putting and odd at times. Not only were they unnecessary, but many of them sort of broke the flow of the story and didn't feel natural (especially when they were presented as character's observations, or even worse, as dialogue.) There is also a passage from the past where there are a LOT of OTT references thrown in to MAKE SURE you know it's the 90's. I mean, I adore the 90's, but a little subtlety would have gone a long way. All of this was such a surprise because I didn't feel such a heavy-handed, in your face sort of style from McDonald in the past and I'm not sure what inspired the change.

If you CAN exhibit the aforementioned patience, I will say the last 20% of the book almost makes up for everything preceding it, and while the villain reveal is lackluster, the emotional gravitas is certainly there. I almost bumped up my rating based on that alone, but sadly I know this book probably won't stick with me the way it could have, had the focus and the writing been different. Jess Lambert is an interesting character and while the jury's still out on whether I want to buckle in to watch her solve her next case, one quote from The Santa Clause sums up this journey, in a very succinct way:

"Seeing isn't believing....believing is seeing."

3.5 stars

A digital copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer. The opinions are my own and freely given.

This is the first in the Detective Jess Lambert series.

Detective Lambert is recovering from a tragedy that left her struggling, both physically, emotionally and mentally.

Neve Maguire is recovering from a home invasion, that also turned her life around.

Neve and her daughter Eve go to her childhood summer home of Black Lake to regroup her life. Her daughter seems like a typical teenager in that she just wants to go home and can't understand why her mom brought her there. She then discovers that her next-door neighbor, who was also her childhood best friend has been murdered. Enter Detective Jess Lambert. Jess is searching for the murderer and meets up with Neve a couple of times. Neve never gives Jess her history and whatever dark secret she may be hiding. Jess suspects Neve of being involved in the murder. Jess is also a functioning alcoholic, at least she thinks she is.

This book has a little touch of paranormal, crime and drama all blended together perfectly. This book shows a great relationship between mothers & daughters. I didn't figure out who the murderer was until very close to the end. It also took me a while to figure out what was going on with Jess.

This was a really well-done story and I look forward to #2!

I guess I didn’t realize this had a supernatural element, but I found this slow and not captivating. I didn’t feel invested in any of the characters and considering this is the first in a series, I’m confused why Jess is important enough to hold more than one book. I won’t be tuning in to the next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.