This was a 3 star book for me and it wasn't the author's fault! The writing, story, and characters were great except I really really don't like the paranormal in my thrillers! Why wasn't this bit of information included in the summary? I have enjoyed all of this author's previous books but this was a step outside her normal genre and this fact wasn't included in the book summary or any information I received prior to requesting the book from NetGalley. Had I known, I wouldn't have requested it. Now there are tags and blurbs (if you read them) pointing this out. I won't be reading the upcoming books in the series since I know they aren't for me and that is too bad because I really would like to see what happens to Jess as she deals with her alcoholism and solves crimes (but not with ghosts and other paranormal activity).

These Still Black Waters, publishing Oct 1st
This was my first Christina McDonald novel, which quickly led me to her backlog, in which I dove right in!
I love a good ghost story and wow, did she deliver In These Still Black Waters!

Neve had an idyllic life as a wife and doting mother. Until the night of the home invasion in which her daughter was hurt, shattering their dynamics forever. She wanted to take her daughter someplace safe - to the childhood home in which she spent her summers. Her mom still owned the property but was currently in a memory care facility. After unpacking and swimming in the lake, they came home to discover the police surrounding the property. A dead body was pulled from the water and detective Jess Lambert was on the case. She had demons she was running from, and she desperately needed to solve this crime in order to keep her job. As it was, the local department was giving this case to her to get her back on her feet. Lambert found help from unexpected places — but quickly realized other forces were keeping her from the truth. All this to say, Neve also realized her past finally caught up to her. The third POV is from the killer — an intriguing beginning that kept me going and wanting more.

Herein lies a novel that I won’t soon forget. The writing is smart and the location is a character in and of itself! Pacing is fast — I did not want to put it down! The last line in the book tells us there will be a sequel and it will be an auto-buy for me.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the author for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I just did not click with this book. I have read several of Christina’s prior novels and loved them. I almost felt like I was reading a different authors work in These Still Black Waters. Maybe it just wasn’t for me. I seem to be in the minority here. And I will definitely give the author another try with a new release because as I said above, I did like several of her previous books.

***thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC copy in return for an honest review***

Thank you to @amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer @thrillerbookloverspromotion @christinamac79 for the #gifted copy. Making bad choices have consequences. Eventually the past will come back to haunt you.

After a home invasion Neve moves back to her summer home at Black Lake with her daughter, Ash. A day later a body turns up in the lake. This is when Neve realizes she will never outrun her past.

The detective on the case, Jess, is haunted by her own tragedy. One margarita and deer causes a crash that kills her 8 year old daughter. She will never forgive herself.

Two women brought together by tragedy find common ground but can they stop a murderer?

I loved the twists in this one that kept me guessing. There are paranormal elements in this book. You don't want to miss this Crime thriller!

It publishes on 10/1/2023.

“These Still Black Waters” by Christina McDonald is a multifaceted and gripping tale that seamlessly blends elements of a brutal crime thriller, psychological mystery, and the paranormal. However, it’s also a deeply emotional story that delves into the lives of two broken women ensnared in their dark pasts, searching desperately for redemption. Neve, the primary character, is an incredibly well-drawn character, and her resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity is both admirable and heartbreaking. Her trauma, coupled with her unwavering determination to protect her daughter, creates a powerful and emotional undercurrent throughout the narrative. On the other hand, Detective Jess Lambert, who has her own share of personal tragedies and ghosts to contend with, adds depth and relatability to the story. The parallels between these two women and their struggles make for a compelling and engaging read.

The plot unfolds with a sense of impending doom and a sinister atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author’s writing is both lyrical and haunting, with vivid descriptions that draw you into the story’s eerie world. The story tackles a wide range of topics, including trauma, guilt, grief, addiction, and the enduring effects of past decisions. It’s a dark and thought-provoking exploration of the choices people make and the consequences that haunt them.

While the book’s overall quality is excellent, some readers may find certain elements of the plot predictable. Additionally, the pacing occasionally slows down during dialogue-heavy scenes, detracting from the overall tension. Nevertheless, “These Still Black Waters” is a gripping and emotionally charged read that showcases Christina McDonald’s exceptional storytelling skills. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy complex, character-driven mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.

From my blog: Always With a Book

This is the third book I’ve read by Christina McDonald and it just might be my favorite one so far, though I have to say the other ones I’ve had have been very good. And I love that this new one is the start of a series…you all know how I love my series!

This is the type of book that is so hard to say much without giving any spoilers. I loved how fast-paced and addictive it was. I found myself immediately pulled in and ended up finishing it in a matter of hours. I became so invested in what was going on and so engaged with these characters that I could not stop reading until everything was resolved. This is such a layered, atmospheric read and I loved that there is an air of unreliability and just a hint of the paranormal floating around.

I love a book with flawed characters and that is what we find with both Detective Jess Lambert and Neve Maguire. Learning about their backstories really makes this book work the way it does. The twists come hard and fast, and I wasn’t expecting them at all but when they happened, I loved them. I have a feeling Detective Jess Lambert is going to become a favorite character as this series progresses and I am all for it. She is definitely a troubled character, but I also loved her fierce determination to get to the bottom of this case.

This book is part police procedural, part psychological thriller that touches on themes of guilt and grief in such a touching way. It is the perfect book to add to your spooky reading list. I’m already counting the days until the next book in the series comes out! In the meantime, I’ll be reading the one book on Christina’s backlist I havent’ yet read.

Thank you @thomasmerceruk @thrillerbookloverspromotions @christinamac79 for the #gifted e-copy and including me in this promotion!

What it’s about:

🌊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.

🗯️Thoughts: I am excited to see that this is the first book (so there will be more!) in the Jess Lambert series. I think that the flawed character of Jess worked really well as a character in this book. I did like both Neve and Jess and the stories behind their emotional backstories and the bond that led them together in the end. I wasn’t expecting most of the twists as the book came to an end and was surprised with the big reveal. I think my most favorite part of the story was understanding the why behind Jess’s involvement that kept her there digging to get answers until it was fully solved! If you’re in the mood for a paranormal mystery make sure to grab this one for spooky season!

4.5 stars rounded up.
Neve and her daughter, Ash, have recently survived a home invasion, just barely. Ash still has a scar on her forehead from a bullet whizzing past, and both are suffering from PTSD. The people that attacked them have not been caught, so Neve takes her daughter to where she spent her summers as a kid. Her mother still owns the home on Black Lake, but doesn’t live there since she’s moved to a care home. The day after they arrive, a body is found in Black Lake. It’s the neighbor next door. Now, Neve is wondering if it’s safe here at the summer home. Meanwhile, Detective Jess Lambert is put on the case of the dead woman. Jess is recovering from her own traumatic car accident, which has left her with a limp, a cane, and her own PTSD. She doesn’t believe everything that Neve tells her about the dead woman, which is good, since Neve didn’t tell her that she knew the dead woman. Jess needs this job and needs to prove herself by finding the murderer.

I couldn’t put this book down. I thought this was such a fun read. It’s dark and atmospheric, and even a bit ghosty. Perfect for fall!

A special thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this book blind, which is usual for me. I've read this author before and enjoyed it. This book was no different. I really enjoyed being in Neve and Detective Jess Campell's POV.

Neve and her teenage daughter, Ash, return to Black Lake, her childhood summer home. They are recovering from a home invasion and need somewhere to feel safe. But soon, Neve wonders if she made the right choice and if they are safe anywhere when a woman's dead body appears in the lake behind her home.

Detective Jess Campbell has had a tragic past, too. Her young daughter has died, and she blames herself. Jess turns to alcohol to get through her days and has a very slim hold on her job. Jess interviews Neve regarding the dead woman and thinks Neve is hiding something.

The twists and surprises in this story are very clever. I was definitely surprised by them and found it very interesting and kept me turning the pages. I don't want to say too much and give it away, though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC to review.

While I’m generally not a fan of thrillers where one of the points of view is from that of a police detective, this was quite an enjoyable read. The story kept me wondering where it was going. I finally figured out the twist about 2/3 of the way, though it wasn’t fully revealed for a few more chapters. This is one of those twists that makes you want to reread the book to pick up on the clues from the beginning (if I was someone who actually reread books). I liked the character development of the detective, who I’m assuming will be in future books based on goodreads saying “Jess #1.” I look forward to more books with her.

Multiple points of view, a mystery narrator, possible ghosts, a home invasion, a murder, infidelity, a troubled detective, a mother with secrets... YES, PLEASE!

Christina McDonald hits another home run with These Still Black Waters. This was a quick read that I didn't want to put down, especially around 60% when something clicked for me and I NEEDED to know if I was right and how it all fit together!

Jess Lambert is a stellar character and I'm excited to see that this will be a series centered around her. There's so much to her and her backstory and I'm needing more details and insight on where her relationship will go.

This book was eerie and gave off some horror vibes which is so perfect for spooky season. It also had thrill and I loved the investigation and mystery. There was really something for every thriller fan!

There were pieces of the mystery I definitely picked up on, but even still, there were a lot of surprises which I loved. It kept me guessing and questioning myself.

I also love when you aren't sure whether or not you have a reliable narrator and These Still Black Waters definitely nailed that! Neve was a little naive and frustrating at times, she was also sneaky and obviously withholding information. Jess was troubled - it was clear things from her past had really traumatized her and she hadn't yet processed or healed. The mystery narrator really kept me guessing and their revelation was a total surprise for me!

All in all, this was a quick read that I really enjoyed and definitely recommend.

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.

Christina McDonald is turning this into a series, and I’m totally into it! If the rest of the books are anything like this one, the series is going to be a must read!
It’s hard to really write this review without giving spoilers, but I’m going to try. The twists in this book are going to rock you. I kind of knew one of them was coming, but convinced myself that McDonald wasn’t going to go there. It’s not her style, from what I’ve read of her last books. Well, she went there and it was glorious! The book takes a sharp turn, almost at the end of the book, and it gets dark. There are secrets, murder and some supernatural stuff that just sets the whole vibe for this book!!
Detective Jess Lambert is going to be the continuing protagonist for the series. I love this. She is a raw, grief stricken character who has a gift. I can’t tell you ( I so freaking want to tell you) what that gift is, but know that it takes the book next level. If this continues through the series, im hooked.
I loved this book! You’re going to love this book! Read it so that you’re prepared for the next book. Get in the know, right now!!

'Choices have consequences. They chose wrong.'

These Still Black Waters by Christina McDonald was a total surprise. I quickly got sucked in and loved the 3 POVs that made up the story. After a violent home invasion, Neve decides to take her daughter Ash and go back to a home that she spent summers in as a teen. But upon their first night there, they wake up to police tape surrounding the neighbor's house. They've fled one violent home only to be plopped right next to another when a body shows up in the lake that surrounds the homes.

Jess is the detective on the case of the murder investigation. She has a troubled past that has led her to drinking, but she wants to do everything she can to make her life right again. And this new case just may be it. When Jess and Neve cross paths and Jess questions her about the neighbor, something doesn't sit right with Jess about Neve. Jess needs to know more about her and if she knows more than what she is letting on.

This story is told in both Jess and Neve's POV along with another point of view that we don't know whose it is until toward the end. This third point of view is holding a piece of history that has led them to act in the present and was a welcome piece of information. It kept the story glued together. Meanwhile, we get to see Jess and Neve deal with their pasts that are still affecting their current state of mind all while trying to figure out who killed Bailey, the neighbor. I felt for both of these women. They both had been hurt and went through so much trauma. But it was Jess that resonated with me the most. Perhaps because most of Neve's life could've been turned out differently if she had made different decisions as a teen that ultimately led to this story of murder. Once things start to come together and the truth from the past comes out, everything else seems to fall in place.

The whole feel of this story was perfect for getting into the fall/spooky season. I really enjoyed seeing Jess come full circle and learn to deal with what the past has given her in the present. I liked the way Neve and Ash's relationship evolved and gave way to an ugly truth. The 3rd POV was kind of surprising, but I liked the way it brought the whole story together. Although I did figure out one element rather soon, it only added to my enjoyment of the book. The best part? Seeing that this book is called Jess Lambert #1. That makes me excited to see more of her in the future. I cannot wait to see where Ms McDonald will take her next! 4+ stars

This was such a good read! Perfect for fall, creepiness and October! I loved the character of Detective Jess and cannot wait for more cases with her. Three summer friends from years ago have all held a secret and now they are being targeted by a killer. Who else could know what had happened that night and why are they years later taking a revenge? Such a fast paced read and there was just so much to this story line and the depth these characters have. There were so many good lines, my highlighter was running out! Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the free ebook and @thrillerbookloverspromotions for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

•Creepy Thriller
•Past and Present POVs
•Multiple Characters
•Mysterious and suspenseful

The book has been narrated from three perspectives and it has multiple characters. The book felt like it has many layers and there are many inbuilt mysteries in the plot. It has such a suspenseful beginning. Many unexpected and unthinkable things happens in the plot. The author has created such a suspenseful and atmospheric setting.

As I said there are three perspectives; one perspective is from Neve Maguire, a separated mom who returns to her childhood home with her daughter, second perspective is from Detective Jess Lambert and the third perspective is from a mysterious person but it keeps you guessing till the end. But what’s more interesting is that how Jess gets to the bottom of the mystery. The killer has put everyone’s lives at stake and past is the key to unravel the mystery. Neve’s childhood summer home gave such a suspenseful vibe and the description of Black lake added mystery, suspense and atmospheric vibe to the plot.

The book made me impatient too because of the multiple characters or the POVs while the author has written very well about human nature; love, loss, tragedy, motherhood, grief, friendship and realising how not seen by anyone can do a serious damage to the brain.

Thank you Publisher, Author, and Netgalley.

Following a violent home invasion that shakes Neve’s world, she feels deep down in her bones that she needs to flee with her daughter, Ash, in order to keep her safe. With limited places to run, she returns to her family’s old vacation home on the banks of Black Lake. Not twenty-four hours after arriving in town, however, a decomposing body is pulled from the water behind her house. A terrible harbinger to their arrival, she fears that if this is what is to welcome them to town then she’s made a grievous mistake.

What no one else knows, however, is that Neve has some deep, dark secrets that she’s trying to hide. And Detective Jess Lambert is quick to spot the signs. After all, she has quite a few of her own. Recently back to work after a horrific tragedy that has left her emotionally fragile as well as physically maimed, she knows all too well what it’s like to live with the weight of well-hidden lies.

It isn’t until yet another woman’s body is discovered, however, that the two must come to terms with the reality of the situation. Someone appears to be out there hunting in their small community, and it seems to be tied to the past. The only way to conquer the darkness, though, is to face it head on. Because one thing is certain—it’s only a matter of time until all of their secrets are shown the light of day. Will they be able to stop whoever is behind the murders before it’s too late? Or has the past finally come calling for its due?

Wow. Only once in a blue moon am I surprised by a novel—in a good way, of course. And These Still Black Waters fit that bill to a tee. A startlingly deep story of loss and love, it also held one altogether jaw-dropping twist. One that took this story from merely great to truly out of this world (in more ways than one). As I write this review, though, I’m finding that it is unbelievably hard to describe this book without revealing its secrets and wholly spoiling the plot. Just the same, I’ll give it a go…

Right from the top, the finely layered plot was my home run favorite piece to this novel. Well-written and cleverly organized, the even pace and evocative prose made the story unroll flawlessly. Told via two primary POVs (complete with crystal clear identities) as well as occasional entries from the killer’s perspective, the storyline subtly shifted between the past and the present, keeping me hungrily yearning for more. When realization finally dawned, however, my mind was well and truly blown. After all, everything I thought I knew was so far from reality that the entire plot shifted right in front of my eyes. So much so, in fact, that I’m already itching to reread it and spot the deftly hidden clues for myself.

Then there were the characters. Unbelievably genuine and true-to-life yet also seemingly unreliable as well, I didn’t know quite what to make of them at the outset. Nonetheless, they were complex, resonating individuals with backstories that illustrated deep, dark heartache which made them come alive on the page. And despite not usually being a fan of self-destructive detectives, the twists to Jess’s persona have likely made her into one of my favorite characters in the end.

Having read quite a bit of McDonald’s work, this one totally shocked the pants off me, to say the least. Quite the departure from her prior books, it also managed to retain her expected thrills and chills. Atmospheric and eerie, this one was a masterful blend of a crime fiction novel and a revenge mystery plus something else altogether unexpected. Trust me, it is one puzzle of a novel that will take you on a journey that will have you questioning EVERYTHING.

All said and done, this was a book that I’m sure I won’t forget any time soon. A clever examination of how secrets and lies—especially the ones we tell to ourselves—can wreck havoc on our lives, I was utterly gobsmacked by how this deviation from McDonald’s norm seemed to land just right. Now I just can’t wait to discover where this series is going to go next. Yes, you read that right, it’s just book one of a series. All I can say is that I strongly recommend not only adding These Still Black Waters to your TBR, but pre-ordering this puppy today. Rating of 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👀 like dual POVs (with the killer thrown in too!)
🏊‍♀️ spent summers at the lake
🌪️ love a good twist
🐶 work as a vet

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

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.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was an interesting one right from the beginning. I was really curious as to who the killer could be and even had a few guesses but was definitely surprised at the end. I also liked that the two women shared similar experiences, like seeing people that weren’t really there. Grief and PTSD can produce strong emotions so it made sense but I liked that it connected them. Overall, this was a fun mystery and I can’t wait to read book 2!

Neve and her family suffer a brutal attack during a home invasion. Trying to recover, Neve visits the vacant home she spent her summers as a child. While there, a neighbor’s body is found in the lake. The investigating officer, Jess, questions Neve about Bailey, the victim, but Neve holds back what she knows. Jess is suffering from the loss of her daughter in a recent car accident and sees visions of her daughter throughout the investigation. She knows that this is a common phenomenon but doesn’t want her coworkers to know. Do these visions mean something to the case?

Wow! This was an incredible and compelling story of lost souls and deep buried secrets. I thought I was reading another murder mystery but this thriller added a paranormal element to it that played out through guilt and grief. This book is super exciting and fast paced but has a touching side of a mothers grief. This dual time-line with altering POV storyline will take some turns and drop a few red herrings all the way to the surprising end! I thought I had an idea who was responsible for Bailey’s death but the book stumped me! I love it when that happens!

THESE STILL BLACK WATERS is Book 1 in the new Jess Lambert series. The story is told in multiple POV, which keeps things very interesting. I was hooked in very early in the story. Clearly, the main characters had secrets to reveal and I was not going to stop reading until I had these murders figured out! Twisty is a major understatement to describe this book, it left my head spinning. Great work by Christina McDonald, and I am now really looking forward to the next book in the series!

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

Neve has experienced a violent home invasion so moves with her daughter for a fresh start. It’s not so fresh of a start with the secrets from the past that will come out with a body that is found.

This is certainly a twisty tale with surprises you will never figure out. I love a good twisty story but I appreciate when it’s possible to guess the conclusion. We aren’t giving the backstory until after the mystery wraps up. It is a compelling story and all came together, but I prefer the mystery to slowly unravel instead of finding out the whole story at once. I did love how the genre to the book took a turn in a way that was entirely unexpected! While not really believable, it was a fun story.

“Maybe it isn’t the dead who haunt the living, but the living who do the haunting. Or maybe we haunt ourselves.”

These Still Black Waters comes out 10/1.